Pasta Comfort Food
So why pasta today? Pasta is comforting… I’ve needed a little extra comfort lately. I’m usually a pretty “up” person. I tend to look on the bright side of things and try to keep a positive attitude when misfortune comes my way. I’m not saying I always achieve this goal, but I do give it the ol’ college try. Keeping it real, lately, there have been quite a few trials and tragedies in our circle of friends and acquaintances. Two families we know have lost a family member in the last month, along with further cancer diagnosis, financial hardship, and marital issues. When things like this happen, it’s easy to let your emotions dictate your thoughts and decisions. It’s easy to slip into anger, bitterness, or fear.
Classic Italian Dish
I guess my point in bringing this up today, is that we all go through hard times. No one is excluded from life’s hard knocks. Some situations we find ourselves in are self-inflicted, but sometimes they just come out of nowhere when you think you’re doing everything right. It’s normal to feel like you’re all alone when you are facing some sort of tribulation. Through thick and thin, I try to focus my mind and actions on positive things like prayer and meditation, spending time with family and loved ones, and healthy eating and exercise. These are things I can control. I can’t control what happens in the future. I can’t control the life expectancy of my loved ones. I can only pray, trust, and make positive choices. Once you reside yourself to this truth, it takes a little bit of the angst off the lows in life, and helps you find the silver linings. So let’s eat some comfort food, and ride out the hard times, shall we?
Chicken Piccata
I made Chicken Piccata Pasta this week, because the bright citrus flavor is light on the palate, yet still very comforting. This is a tweaked version of my classic chicken piccata recipe. The chicken is bite-sized and you don’t have to cut it as you eat, so it’s easy to dive right in to. Little bits of garlic, onion, capers, and fresh parsley mingle with the pasta and chicken, and vibrant lemony sauce glazes the pasta for a bright and perky finish. I used Delallo Organic Whole Wheat Gemelli Pasta, because I love the use of higher quality flour, and the twisted shape reminds me of sticking together. Easy Chicken Piccata with Pasta makes a perfect dish to take to a potluck, picnic, or to a friend needing a little pick-me-up.
What Ingredients You Will Need
Chicken Tenders – cut into bite-size piecesDelallo Organic Whole Wheat Gemelli Pasta (or your favorite bite-size pasta shape)Flour – the tablespoons divided (any variety of flour will work)ButterOlive OilMinced Garlic ClovesSmall Red Onion – halved and sliced thinFresh Chopped RosemaryFresh Lemon JuiceChicken StockCapers – drainedChopped ParsleySalt and Pepper
How To Make This Italian Chicken Piccata Recipe
- Place a large pot of salted water over high heat and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, chop the chicken, onion, and herbs. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter and oil.
- Drop the pasta in the boiling water and cook as instructed on the package (about 8 minutes) then drain. Once the butter is melted, salt and pepper the chicken liberally and toss with 2 tablespoons flour. Place the chicken pieces in the hot butter and saute for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and place it on paper towels to dry.
- Add the rosemary, garlic, and onions to the butter, stir and saute for 1 minute. Then whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons flour to thicken the sauce. Cook for another minute, then whisk in the lemon juice and chicken stock.
- Once the sauce is simmering again, toss in the pasta, capers, and parsley. Mix in the chicken and serve warm.
Get The Full (Printable) Chicken Piccata Pasta Below. Enjoy!
How Long Do Leftovers Last In The Fridge?
These leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and placed in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I Use Other Types Of Pasta?
You can use any type of pasta in this recipe so go with what you like best, though I prefer this Gemelli pasta. Consider trying angel hair pasta, penne, or fusilli.
What Can I Top This Pasta With?
Like most Italian Dishes, grated parmesan cheese would go great over this pasta, along with some cracked black pepper, or any type of meat – like skinless chicken breasts.
Other Great Pasta Recipes
Skinny Pasta Primavera RecipeOne Pot Chicken Pasta with Light Basil Cream SauceShrimp Scampi Greek PastaThe Best Italian Pasta Salad RecipePesto Chicken Baked TortelliniNo-Boil Chicken Parmesan Pasta RecipeSpinach Artichoke Pasta RecipeCilantro Lime Shrimp Pasta RecipeHomemade Chicken Breast Pesto Pasta
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