Chicken Piccata Pasta Easy Recipe
Craving a bold and tangy pasta dish. This Chicken Piccata Pasta recipe combines lemony piccata sauce with tender chicken and al dente pasta for a rich, satisfying meal. Learn how to make it step by step.
Chicken Piccata Pasta is the perfect blend of bright lemon flavors, buttery goodness, and tender chicken tossed with pasta. It is a delicious twist on the classic chicken piccata, which is typically served with veal or fish. If you love creamy, tangy sauces, this dish is for you.
What Is Piccata?
The word “piccata” comes from the Italian term “piccato” meaning “larded” or “sharp.” In Italian cooking it refers to a dish where meat is sliced, dredged in flour, pan-seared, and served in a tangy lemon-butter sauce with capers. Traditionally veal piccata was the original version but over time, chicken and seafood variations became just as popular especially in the U.S.
Piccata with Pasta and Why it Works So Well
Piccata sauce is light yet flavorful, making it the perfect match for pasta. The butter and broth create a silky texture that coats each strand, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing brightness that keeps the dish from feeling too heavy. The capers provide a salty contrast, enhancing the pasta’s natural chewiness. Plus the starchy pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, giving it the perfect consistency.
Piccata Sauce Traditional Ingredients (Lemon, Capers, Butter)
At its core, piccata sauce is a simple yet bold combination of butter, fresh lemon juice, white wine or broth, and capers. The butter adds richness the lemon juice provides a bright acidity, and the capers bring a salty bite that balances the dish. Some variations (like ours) also include garlic, shallots, or a splash of cream for extra depth.
Piccata Pasta Suggestions
For creamy chicken pasta dishes, you want pasta that holds onto the rich sauce well without getting lost in it. The best choices are ones with ridges, tubes, or a wide surface area to trap the sauce.
- Fettuccine – The wide, flat shape is perfect for clinging to creamy sauces like Alfredo or piccata.
- Pappardelle – Similar to fettuccine but even wider, making it ideal for hearty, creamy chicken dishes.
- Penne – The ridges and tube shape catch creamy sauce inside, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Rigatoni – Larger tubes that soak up thick, creamy sauces, making them extra satisfying.
- Fusilli – The spirals help hold onto the sauce, distributing the creamy goodness in every bite.
- Orecchiette – The small, cup-like shape scoops up creamy sauce and small ingredients like capers or mushrooms.
Piccata Pasta Proteins Suggestions
While veal is the traditional choice for piccata, chicken has become the most popular protein, especially in the U.S. Chicken piccata is widely loved for its affordability and mild flavor which soaks up the sauce beautifully. Piccata Fish options like Piccata salmon, tilapia, and cod work well as their delicate texture pairs perfectly with the tangy, buttery sauce.
For creamy chicken piccata pasta, you can switch up the protein to add variety while keeping the dish rich and flavorful.
- Piccata of Chicken – Flavorful and juicy staying tender in the creamy sauce.
- Piccata of Veal – A classic piccata choice with a delicate texture that pairs beautifully with the lemon-butter sauce.
- Piccata Salmon – The richness of salmon balances the tangy piccata sauce while adding a boost of healthy fats.
- Piccata Shrimp – Quick cooking and slightly sweet, shrimp works well with creamy sauces and absorbs flavors easily.
- Piccata Fish Tilapia or Cod – Mild, flaky fish that soaks up the sauce without competing with the bold lemon and caper flavors.
- Piccata Pork – A tender and slightly sweet alternative to chicken holding up well to the creamy sauce.
Chicken Piccata Pasta Serving Suggestions & Pairings
A creamy and tangy piccata pasta pairs best with sides that add texture and balance to the meal. Garlic bread is a top choice, offering a crispy, buttery contrast to the silky sauce while soaking up every last drop. Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes, provide a fresh, slightly caramelized flavor that cuts through the richness. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette also works well, adding a peppery bite to brighten up the dish. If you want something heartier, a side of buttery mashed potatoes makes for an indulgent, restaurant worthy meal.
A bright citrusy white wine is the perfect match for piccata pasta, enhancing the lemony sauce while keeping the dish light. Pinot Grigio is a classic choice, with its crisp acidity and green apple notes that complement the tangy flavors. Chardonnay especially unoaked or lightly oaked versions adds a creamy texture that blends seamlessly with the butter and cream in the sauce. For something slightly more floral a Sauvignon Blanc brings zesty citrus and herbal undertones that elevate the freshness of the dish. If you prefer a sparkling option Prosecco adds a refreshing fizz that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Piccata Chicken Pasta Recipe
Chicken Piccata Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (400g)
- 16 oz chicken boneless roughly diced
- 1 medium brown onion sliced
- 3 garlic cloves crushed
- ¾ cup 180ml chicken stock
- 1/2 cup 60ml lemon juice
- 2 tbsp baby capers rinsed
- 1 cup thickened cream
- 2 tbsp butter 1 oz/30g
- 2 tbsp oil
- Fresh basil leaves for serving
- Grated parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken – Heat half the oil and butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken pieces stirring regularly until browned. Remove from the pan.
- Make the sauce – Add the rest of the oil and butter. Saute onion and garlic for 2 minutes. Pour in the stock, lemon juice, and cream. Season with salt and pepper, stir, and bring to a simmer.
- Finish cooking – Return chicken to the pan, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.
- Combine & serve – Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce. Sprinkle with capers, basil, and parmesan. Serve hot.
Chicken Piccata Pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a tangy twist. So if you choose to stick with chicken or experiment with veal, salmon, or fish, this dish is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Try making it tonight and share this website with your friends.
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