Creamy Chicken Piccata Pasta Bake: A Comforting Twist on a Classic

Introduction

If you love the bright, zesty flavors of chicken piccata but crave a heartier, baked dish, this Creamy Chicken Piccata Pasta Bake is for you!

It combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, tangy capers, and a luscious lemon cream sauce, all topped with bubbly, golden cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Pasta and Sauce:

12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp capers, drained
½ tsp Italian seasoning
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For Topping:

½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp melted butter
2 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook pasta 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Sauté for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Cream Sauce

In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux.
Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then add heavy cream, Parmesan, lemon juice, capers, and Italian seasoning.
Simmer until thickened (3-4 minutes).

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Mix the cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce in a greased baking dish.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbly.
Broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden crust.
Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Easy & Quick: Simple steps for a hassle-free meal.
✔ Bold Flavors: Zesty lemon, creamy sauce, and savory capers.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance and bake when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Use 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.

2. Can I substitute the heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.

3. What pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli holds the sauce well.

4. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes! Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.

5. What to serve with it?

Pair with a light salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Piccata Pasta Bake brings the tangy, buttery flavors of classic piccata into a cheesy, comforting pasta dish. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s a must-try recipe!

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