Chicken Piccata With Angel Hair Pasta | Made by Meaghan Moineau
Zesty Chicken Piccata With Angel Hair Pasta: A Timeless Family Classic
Description
Discover the tangy and savory delight of Chicken Piccata with Angel Hair Pasta, a dish that balances bright citrus notes with the richness of a buttery sauce, all harmonized with tender chicken and delicate pasta. This main dish not only promises a burst of flavor but also serves as a nostalgic journey back to family gatherings marked by laughter, love, and unforgettable meals. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is rated 6/10 in difficulty and will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
---
A Walk Down Memory Lane
Growing up, Sunday dinners were a cherished tradition in our family. My grandmother would spend the afternoon bustling around the kitchen, her apron dusted with flour and a twinkle in her eye as she orchestrated the meal that would bring us all together. Chicken Piccata with Angel Hair Pasta was a staple, a dish that magically combined her Sicilian roots with a touch of modern flair.
I remember the way the kitchen smelled, the citrusy aroma of fresh lemons mingling with the savory scent of sautéed garlic and olive oil. As children, my cousins and I would gather around the table, eagerly awaiting the moment when she would place the steaming platter before us. Each bite was a revelation—the tangy capers popping against the tender chicken and the delicate strands of pasta soaking up the rich, buttery sauce.
Those evenings were filled with stories and laughter, the kind of moments that linger long after the plates have been cleared. To this day, every time I prepare this dish, I can almost hear my grandmother's gentle laughter and feel the warmth of those family gatherings. It's more than just a meal; it's a connection to the past, a way to keep those precious memories alive.
---
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 8 oz angel hair pasta
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Fresh basil, chopped
- 2 diced garlic cloves
- Black kosher salt and pepper to taste
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 2 diced Roma tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
---
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Place 1 cup of flour in a shallow dish. Using a sharp knife, slice each chicken breast in half. Cover each piece with wax paper and use a kitchen mallet to pound them to about ½ inch thick. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Coat the chicken pieces in flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and sauté each side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean plate and cover with aluminum foil.
3. Boil the Pasta:
Begin boiling the angel hair pasta according to package instructions.
4. Make the Sauce:
Using the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the garlic until aromatic, avoiding browning. Add red chili flakes, capers, lemon juice, lemon slices, zest, and chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the skillet. Increase heat to medium-high and allow the liquid to reduce by half.
5. Finish the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mash together 1 tablespoon of flour and the butter. Whisk into the reducing liquid, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Ensure the sauce is smooth and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Combine Everything:
Drain the cooked pasta and toss it in the lemon caper sauce with tomatoes and basil, reserving a few spoonfuls of sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Serve:
Plate the pasta and top each serving with a piece of chicken. Spoon the reserved lemon caper sauce over the chicken and pasta. Serve immediately.
---
Conclusion
Recreate this delicious Chicken Piccata with Angel Hair Pasta and transport yourself to a place where every meal becomes a memory worth savoring. Whether you're sharing it with family or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this dish promises to delight with its robust flavors and heartwarming nostalgia.