Description
Chicken Piccata with Creamy Lemon Sauce and Pasta is a quick and elegant weeknight dinner featuring juicy chicken breasts seared to perfection, paired with a luscious lemon-infused creamy sauce and tender pasta. This dish delivers bright, tangy flavors balanced with comforting creaminess and is simple to prepare in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Protein and Aromatics
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon natural gelling agent
- 1/3 cup plant-based creamy cheese
- 1 tablespoon capers
Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine or fettuccine pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnish and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and lightly coat them with all-purpose flour to create a slight crispy exterior. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the smoked turkey bacon and cook until slightly crisp. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Create the Creamy Lemon Sauce: Pour in chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, apple cider vinegar (natural), and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Sprinkle the natural gelling agent gradually while stirring to thicken the sauce. Add plant-based creamy cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them to soak in the flavors. Add the capers and simmer gently for 3-5 minutes for the flavors to marry.
- Cook the Pasta: While finishing the sauce, boil the pasta until al dente, drain, and toss with olive oil to keep it separate and glossy.
- Plate and Serve: Arrange the chicken breasts on a bed of pasta, ladle extra sauce over the top, and sprinkle with fresh parsley for color and freshness.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Cook chicken in batches if the pan is crowded to ensure a perfect sear.
- Always use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Add the natural gelling agent gradually while stirring to avoid clumping.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: chicken piccata, creamy lemon sauce, pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, gluten free recipe
