If you’re craving something that’s bursting with bright lemony flavors, creamy texture, and tender chicken all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, this Chicken Piccata Pasta Recipe is going to be your new go-to weeknight favorite. It brilliantly combines the zesty tang of classic piccata with the comforting heartiness of a pasta dish, making each bite a delightful celebration of flavors and textures. The simplicity of the ingredients means busy cooks can whip up an impressive dinner in under 30 minutes without sacrificing any of that deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, yet each one plays a vital role in building the flavor profile and texture of this Chicken Piccata Pasta Recipe. From the succulent chicken pieces to the zingy lemon juice and creamy finish, everything works in perfect harmony.
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins or boneless skinless chicken breasts: Provides tender, juicy protein that’s quick to cook.
- 2 Tbsp garlic and herb seasoning: Adds a fragrant, savory base to the chicken with herbs and garlic.
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Creates a flavorful sauce while keeping it light and not too salty.
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes: Infuses a subtle sweetness and depth into the sauce.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): For a punch of aromatic garlic flavor.
- â…“ cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce luxuriant creaminess that clings to the pasta perfectly.
- ½ cup lemon juice: Delivers the tangy brightness that defines the piccata style.
- 8 oz campanelle pasta: Its ruffled edges and cup shape capture more sauce, making every bite flavorful.
- 3 Tbsp capers (drained and rinsed): Adds bursts of briny, salty flavor that cuts through the creaminess.
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese: Finishes the dish with a nutty, savory touch.
How to Make Chicken Piccata Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken tenderloins into bite-sized pieces to make them easy to eat and quick to cook. Sprinkle the garlic and herb seasoning generously over both sides; this imparts wonderful aromatic flavors that form the foundation of the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken and Garlic
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Toss in the minced garlic cloves at the end and sauté for an additional 30 seconds—this infuses a fragrant garlic aroma without burning it.
Step 3: Add Broth, Onions, Cream, Lemon, and Pasta
Next, pour in the chicken broth, sprinkle in the dried minced onion flakes, add the heavy cream, lemon juice, and then stir in the uncooked campanelle pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan. Let it simmer gently until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the delicious sauce—this usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 4: Finish with Capers and Parmesan
Once your pasta is perfectly cooked, stir in the drained and rinsed capers along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Cook everything together for another 5 minutes off the heat to let the flavors meld beautifully. Finally, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking, and add fresh parsley as a garnish if you have it on hand.
How to Serve Chicken Piccata Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley, a few extra lemon slices, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can elevate this dish visually and flavor-wise. They add a fresh, vibrant touch and a pop of color that makes the plate look as great as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Piccata Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, sautéed asparagus, or garlicky spinach. The fresh, light sides balance the creamy pasta, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, serve this pasta in shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and few capers strategically placed on top. Add a wedge of lemon on the side so everyone can add a bit of additional citrus zing as they like. A rustic wooden board to serve it on adds warmth and charm for a cozy dinner vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken Piccata Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days and the flavors often deepen after resting, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the creamy sauce and pasta may change slightly upon thawing. If you choose to freeze, place portions in sealed freezer bags or containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the Chicken Piccata Pasta Recipe on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Microwaving works too but heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use regular chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Just be sure to slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces as tenderloins cook faster. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken is cooked through but still juicy.
What pasta works best in this Chicken Piccata Pasta Recipe?
Campanelle is ideal because its ruffled edges catch the creamy piccata sauce beautifully. However, you can also use penne, rigatoni, or even fettuccine depending on what you have on hand.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream alternative and use a dairy-free cheese substitute or nutritional yeast to mimic the Parmesan’s nutty flavor.
How can I make the sauce more tangy?
If you love lemon, simply add a bit more fresh lemon juice or zest at the end of cooking to amplify that bright, zesty pop without overpowering the dish.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and mix together the dry seasoning ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the pasta and combine everything fresh. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy and keeps the flavors vibrant.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Piccata Pasta Recipe combines freshness, creaminess, and a touch of tang in a way that’s truly comforting yet sophisticated enough for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, the ease and flavor-packed profile of this dish make it a winner every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how magical a few simple ingredients can be when they come together so perfectly.
Print
Chicken Piccata Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A quick and flavorful Chicken Piccata Pasta recipe that combines tender chicken pieces with a tangy lemon and caper sauce, creamy broth, and perfectly cooked campanelle pasta. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and elegant.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins (or boneless skinless chicken breasts), cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 Tbsp garlic and herb seasoning
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 Tbsp capers, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Sauce & Pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
- â…“ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 8 oz campanelle pasta
- Olive oil, for cooking (about 1-2 Tbsp)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and generously sprinkle both sides with garlic and herb seasoning to infuse flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely seared. Add minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in chicken broth, dried minced onion flakes, heavy cream, and lemon juice. Stir in the uncooked campanelle pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and simmer until the pasta is tender, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish the dish: Stir in capers and grated parmesan cheese, and cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content in the dish.
- If preferred, substitute campanelle pasta with other short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Ensure the pasta is cooked through in the skillet to enjoy one-pan convenience and flavor absorption.
- Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a lovely color contrast and bright flavor.
