If you follow the Daily Life Recipe, then you know I only try to bring dishes that are possible to cook in under 40-60 minutes. Today, I have got something that will make you feel hungry instantly. This is an easy chicken piccata recipe with pasta, and that’s my personal favorite meal idea for a quick dinner. Today, I am going to guide you through cooking this comforting dish from scratch in just 40 minutes.
Easy Chicken Piccata Recipe with Pasta
If you are looking for the best chicken piccata recipe with pasta that is easy to make but tastes premium, this one is for you. This simple chicken piccata recipe with pasta from scratch is easy to make with simple ingredients from your kitchen. It has no cream and is perfect for busy nights when you have less time but want something homemade and fresh.
Easy Chicken Piccata Recipe with Pasta
Equipment
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Colander
- Large skillet or sauté pan (12-inch preferred)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Meat mallet (or rolling pin)
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Shallow bowl/plate (for flour dredging)
- Tongs
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Microplane or fine grater (for lemon zest, optional)
- Instant-read thermometer (optional but helpful)
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 Small boneless, skinless Chicken breasts (about 10–12 oz total)
- ⅓ cup All-purpose flour (for dredging)
- ½ tsp Kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- ¼ tsp Black pepper
- ½ tsp Garlic powder (optional)
Pasta
- 6 oz Spaghetti or linguine
- Salt for pasta water
Piccata Sauce
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 3 tbsp Unsalted butter, divided
- 2 Cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup Chicken broth
- ¼ cup Dry white wine (optional; replace with more broth)
- 2 tbsp Capers, drained
- 1 Lemon (juice of 1 lemon; zest optional)
- 2 tbsp Chopped fresh Parsley
- 2–4 tbsp Grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the chicken cutlets
Place your chicken breasts on a cutting board and make thin cutlets. Try to make the slices even. It helps the chicken to cook quickly and stay juicy. It's the key instruction to follow for preparing chicken for a simple chicken piccata recipe with pasta.Dredge for a light, crisp sear
Take your shallow bowl and mix salt, flour, pepper, and garlic powder together. Now coat each cutlet gently and shake off excess. This thin flour layer helps the chicken get golden edges. It also slightly thickens the sauce later. That's why it feels like the best chicken piccata without extra effort.Start the pasta at the same time
Bring enough salted water to a boil and cook the pasta. Make sure you reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Now, drain and keep it aside. Doing this alongside is important to make the whole process quick and easy.Pan-sear the chicken
Take a large skillet, put olive oil and 1 tbsp butter to heat over medium-high heat. Now put the chicken and cook each side for 3-4 minutes until it is golden and cooked through. Make it 165° if you are using a thermometer. Then transfer it to a plate.Build the piccata sauce from scratch
Now it's time to lower the heat to medium, then add the remaining 2 tbsp butter and minced garlic. Stir it for 20-30 seconds until fragrant. Now put the broth and wine. If you are not using wine, put the alternative. Now stir in lemon juice and capers. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.Toss pasta + finish everything together
Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss the coat. If you think the sauce is tight, add reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time. Keep adding pasta water until it looks glossy and silky. Return chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over, and simmer for 1 minute to warm. Sprinkle parsley and parmesan. And this is your chicken piccata recipe with pasta from scratch is ready to serve. This is bright, buttery, and done fast.
Notes
More Chicken-Based Recipes
Nutrition (Approximate)
Total calories (entire recipe for 2): ~1,220 kcal
Per serving (1/2 recipe): ~610 kcal
Per serving estimates:
- Calories: ~610
- Protein: ~40 g
- Carbohydrates: ~55 g
- Fat: ~25 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Sugar: ~3 g
- Sodium: ~850 mg (varies with broth/capers/salt)
About the Ingredients of the Easy Chicken Piccata Recipe with Pasta
Chicken Breast: It is the protein base of this recipe. It keeps you full, yet it’s a light dish. Supports muscle health and is low in saturated fat.
All-Purpose Flour: It creates a golden crust and slightly thickens the sauce. It should be used moderately due to carbohydrates. Overall, it’s an important part of the dish. You need to find a gluten-free alternative if needed.
Olive Oil: Olive oil contains heart-healthy fats and antioxidants, making it the best fat choice for any kind of chicken dish. It helps the chicken to get a rich flavor.
Unsalted Butter: To get a silky texture and richness, butter plays a vital role. It has high fat, so it is suggested to use a small amount just to add flavor. Overall, it has no health concerns.
Garlic: Garlic is very important for immunity and anti-inflammatory properties, which support heart health. In the recipe, it builds depth in the sauce and balances the lemon’s acidity.
Chicken Broth: It is a low-calorie addition to the meal to keep it light compared to cream-based sauces. Chicken broth forms the base of the sauce, adding savory flavor without heaviness.
White Wine (Optional): It enhances the lemon flavor while adding acidity and complexity. You can avoid it with a healthier alternative.
Capers: They provide a tangy and salty essential to chicken piccata. It has low calories and is rich in antioxidants. Though it has high sodium, so moderate use is recommended.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C and adds flavor without adding fat or calories. It supports digestion, and overall, it brightens the entire recipe, adding much richness.
Fresh Parsley: When the dish is finished, fresh parsley adds color and freshness. It has so many natural nutrients, and it doesn’t affect the calorie count.
Pasta (Spaghetti or Linguine): Pasta is the most important part of this recipe, and it makes the dish complete and satisfying. It provides carbohydrates, and that’s why it should be portioned properly to keep your diet balanced.
Parmesan Cheese (Optional): It has good calcium and protein, but it is high in sodium, which is why a little sprinkle is best.
Salt: A small amount of salt enhances all flavors in this meal. Taste it before serving or adding more. Excessive salt can impact your blood pressure.
Black Pepper: Black pepper has antioxidants that aid digestion and make the dish balanced. It’s a great seasoning choice without adding calories.
Balanced and Nourishing Chicken Piccata Pasta
This easy chicken piccata recipe with pasta is a balanced meal providing protein, healthy fats, and satisfying carbohydrates. It has no heavy cream, olive oil, and a lemon-based sauce provides flavor and health benefits. Chicken breast is a great source of protein, which helps you to stay full and build muscle health. To support your immunity and digestion, this easy chicken piccata recipe with pasta has fresh garlic, lemon juice, and parsley. If you portion it appropriately, it fits into an everyday healthy diet without feeling indulgent.
Light, Flavorful, and Better Than Takeout
This homemade chicken piccata recipe with pasta is lighter and easier to digest. It has no such unhealthy heavy cream. You can control the ingredients, and they are so simple and have almost no health concerns. The lemon sauce offers a bold taste with fewer calories. This recipe avoids processed sauces and excess fat, which is why it’s flavorful and much better than takeout.
FAQ
Can I make chicken piccata with pasta without cream?
Yes, we have guided you to make an easy chicken piccata recipe with pasta without cream here. Instead, you can use a lemon-butter sauce with broth. It makes the dish lighter and fresher.
What pasta works best for chicken piccata?
You can use short pasta, but spaghetti works best because it holds the sauce pretty well. That’s why I personally recommend you use spaghetti in this easy chicken piccata recipe with pasta.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, in that case, you need to prep the sauce and chicken separately. You can combine them before serving.
Is chicken piccata healthy?
It is super healthy when you are making this easy chicken piccata recipe with pasta from scratch. Lean chicken, lemon sauce, and olive oil make this dish lighter and healthier.
What can I use instead of white wine?
If you need an alternative to white wine, then you can add some extra chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice in easy chicken piccata recipe with pasta.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Try to slice the chicken evenly and don’t overcook. Try to keep them thin; this way, they stay juicy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can. Simply use the gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free alternative for all-purpose flour for dredging.
How long does chicken piccata pasta last in the fridge?
If you store it in an airtight container, it will stay fresh up to 2 days. Reheat gently on low heat before serving to maintain the sauce texture.
Try this easy chicken piccata recipe with pasta tonight to have a homemade flavor at your table. And don’t forget to share your experience with us.
About the photos: The images in this post are AI-generated illustrations created to help visualize the recipe.