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Homemade Creamy Chicken Picata Pasta with Kale recipe photo

Creamy Chicken Picata Pasta with Kale

A quick, comforting pasta featuring golden chicken, tangy caper-lemon sauce, sautéed mushrooms and kale.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts halved horizontally
  • sea salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 shallot finely chopped
  • 8 oz baby bella mushrooms
  • 6 oz baby kale
  • 3/4 cup chicken stock
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup brined capers rinsed
  • 1 lb cooked fettuccine pasta
  • parsley coarsely chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Plate
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Season both sides of the halved chicken breasts with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Dredge each chicken piece in the all-purpose flour, shaking off excess flour.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 3 tablespoons butter and the olive oil until the butter melts and foams.
  4. Working in batches to avoid crowding, add the chicken and sauté about 3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through; transfer cooked chicken to a plate and repeat, adding more oil if needed.
  5. In the same skillet, add the chopped shallot and mushrooms and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown and are fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
  6. Add the baby kale and stir, cooking until the kale wilts.
  7. Pour in the chicken stock and simmer until reduced by about half, roughly 3 minutes.
  8. Reduce heat to low and stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons butter, rinsed capers, and fresh lemon juice; taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
  9. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet to warm briefly, then add the cooked fettuccine and toss to coat in the sauce until everything is heated through.
  10. Serve immediately garnished with coarsely chopped parsley, if using.

Notes

  • Halve chicken breasts for even, quick cooking.
  • Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  • Rinse capers to reduce excess brine if desired.
  • Use pre-cooked pasta warmed briefly in the sauce to finish.