Ever wondered how something so light and bright could be so satisfying?
Chicken Piccata with Angel Hair Pasta hits that sweet spot, tender chicken, a zesty lemon-caper sauce, and exquisite pasta that soaks it all in.
This chicken piccata pasta recipe brings together golden pan-fried chicken with a tangy sauce that’s both bold and comforting.
The angel hair pasta catches every drop of that buttery, lemony goodness while the juicy chicken keeps things hearty.
It’s restaurant-quality food you can make at home on any weeknight.
When you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this dish delivers big flavors without the fuss.
What Is Chicken Piccata with Angel Hair Pasta?
Chicken Piccata with Angel Hair Pasta is a classic Italian-American dish that features golden pan-seared chicken cutlets in a lemon-butter-caper sauce, served over angel hair pasta.
The magic happens when that zippy sauce pools around tender pasta and the chicken soaks up every bit of citrusy goodness.
The dish balances sharp flavors with buttery richness. Capers bring their salty pop. Fresh lemon cuts through the butter. And the pasta ties it all together into one perfect bite.
Ingredients You’ll NeedFor the Chicken:
For the Sauce:
For the Pasta:
To Serve:
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Pro Tip: Pat chicken dry before flouring for better browning and sauce that won’t get watery.
Getting the prep work done first makes cooking this dish much smoother. Having all your ingredients ready means you won’t scramble when things start moving fast in the pan.
Recipe Notes & Prep Info
This timing works perfectly for busy weeknights. You can have this whole meal ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Category | Main Dish |
| Method | Stovetop |
| Cuisine | Italian-American |
| Yield | 4 servings |
Fun Fact: “Piccata” refers to meat that’s been pounded thin, dredged in flour, and served with a lemon-caper sauce. Originally Italian, the method was adapted for chicken in the U.S. and became a menu favorite.
Chicken Piccata Pasta Recipe – Step by Step!
Served with a lemon-caper sauce. Originally Italian, the technique was adapted for chicken in the U.S. and became a menu favorite.
This timing works perfectly for busy weeknights. You can have this whole meal ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish.
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add angel hair pasta and cook according to the package directions (about 3–4 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Pro Tip: Because angel hair cooks fast, wait until the sauce is nearly ready to start boiling the pasta.
2. Prep the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thin cutlets. Pound gently between plastic wrap to a ½-inch thickness.
Mix flour, salt, pepper, and optional Italian herbs in a shallow bowl. Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off the excess.
3. Brown the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
Pro Tip: Don’t move the chicken around while it’s cooking. Let it develop that golden crust before flipping.
4. Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic. Cook for 1 minute.
Add white wine and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes. Add broth, lemon juice, and capers. Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly reduced.
Return chicken to pan and simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until warmed through. Stir in parsley and lemon zest. Taste and season if needed.
5. Combine and Serve
Toss cooked angel hair pasta with some of the pan sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen it.
Plate the pasta, top with chicken, and spoon extra lemon-caper sauce over everything. Garnish with Parmesan, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges.
Pro Tip: Save some pasta water even after cooking. The starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta for a silky finish.
How to Serve Chicken Piccata with Angel Hair Pasta
Serving this dish well makes it feel even more special. If you’re hosting or just enjoying it at home, these styles work great with the tangy richness.
| Serving Style | What to Add |
|---|---|
| Traditional | Chicken over angel hair with lemon slices and Parmesan |
| Graceful Dinner | Serve with white wine and steamed asparagus |
| Lighter Touch | Add a green salad with lemon vinaigrette |
| Comfort Food | Pair with rustic bread or focaccia to mop up sauce |
The key is not to overcomplicate things. The dish itself is the star, so simple sides work best.
What to Serve with Chicken Piccata
Wondering what to serve with chicken piccata? Here are classic pairings that highlight the bright lemony sauce:
1. Vegetables
These fresh sides balance the rich sauce with crisp textures and bright flavors. Green vegetables work exceptionally well with the lemony notes.
- Steamed or roasted asparagus
- Sautéed green beans or broccolini
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with a lemon glaze
- Lemony peas or garlic spinach
2. Breads
Perfect for soaking up every drop of that buttery lemon-caper sauce. Choose crusty options that can handle the moisture.
- Warm Italian rolls
- Crusty sourdough
- Homemade focaccia
3. Salads
Light, fresh salads provide a nice contrast to the rich chicken and pasta. Citrus-based dressings work best.
- Arugula with shaved Parmesan and lemon dressing
- Mixed baby greens with cherry tomatoes and vinaigrette
- Caesar salad for a creamy contrast
4. Wine Pairing
These crisp white wines complement the bright, acidic flavors in the piccata sauce. Avoid heavy reds that might overpower the dish.
- Crisp Pinot Grigio
- Lightly oaked Chardonnay
- Zesty Sauvignon Blanc
Each of these options plays off the lemon-caper brightness without fighting with the main dish. Simple green vegetables work exceptionally well because they complement the citrus flavors.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
This dish gives you a good balance of protein and carbs, making it a satisfying meal that won’t leave you hungry an hour later.
| Nutrient | Amount (220g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 510 kcal |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Total Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 51 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
| Cholesterol | 91 mg |
Note: Actual values depend on brands, pasta type, and optional ingredients.
This dish gives you a good balance of protein and carbs, making it a satisfying meal that won’t leave you hungry an hour later.
Tips & Variations
The beauty of this recipe is how flexible it is. You can adjust it based on what you have in your kitchen and still get great results:
- Add mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy twist that pairs beautifully with the lemon.
- Want it creamy? Swirl in a splash of heavy cream just before serving for a more decadent sauce.
- Going gluten-free? Use GF pasta and flour alternatives – the flavors work just as well.
- No wine on hand? Use all chicken broth instead. It’s still tasty and kid-friendly, too.
- Make it spicier by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
The beauty of this recipe is how flexible it is. You can adjust it based on what you have in your kitchen and still get great results.
Fun Fact: The best white wines for cooking piccata are dry wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity in these wines complements the lemon beautifully.
Enjoy Your Chicken Piccata with Angel Hair Pasta!
This chicken piccata pasta recipe is more than just dinner – it’s comfort food that feels fancy.
From the golden crisp chicken to the zesty caper sauce, every bite brings fresh, bold flavors that satisfy without being heavy.
The angel hair pasta soaks up all that lemony goodness while the tender chicken makes it hearty enough for any appetite.
When you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or something special for guests, this dish delivers every time.
It’s the kind of recipe you’ll bookmark and come back to again and again.
Try this recipe tonight and taste why chicken piccata with angel hair pasta never goes out of style.
