Creamy Grilled Chicken Piccata with Penne Pasta

A couple weeks ago, I decided to make Creamy Grilled Chicken Piccata with Penne Pasta.  I haven't had much luck cooking lemon-butter type pastas in the past.  They always turn out too tangy.  And guess what?!  This recipe came out too sour too!  Alyssa didn't like it.  The chicken was good, but the sauce was sour.  I ended up adding a little bit of salt and sugar to balance out the sourness.  At first, it seemed runny, so I did not add any pasta stock.  Luckily, I saved some because I ended up using it.  It really helped to balance out the sourness.  I didn't grill my chicken, however, because the hubby was at work.  I ended up pan-frying it.  It turned out good too.  I served it with my Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread that Alyssa helped me make.  Like always, I ended up making too much.  I love to share and feed people, so I fed one of my co-worker.  She loved it!  But then again, she loves everything I cook...hmmm...  Either I actually cook good or she's just being nice.  :)  I might consider making this again in the future.  Enjoy!

Creamy Grilled Chicken Piccata with Penne Pasta

Grilled Chicken Piccata with Penne Pasta
(adapted from Plain Chicken)


Ingredients:


-Chicken:

• juice of 1 lemon (3 tbsp.)
• 3 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tbsp. minced garlic
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. basil or oregano
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

-Pasta

• 2 c. dried penne pasta
• 2 tbsp. butter
• 1 tbsp. minced garlic
• juice of 2 lemons (6 tbsp.)
• 1/2 c. half and half (or heavy cream)
• 1 tsp. sugar (or more)
• salt & pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 c. grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp. dried basil
• 2 tbsp. capers
• reserved pasta stock (if needed)

Directions:

1. Combine first 6 ingredients and mix well. Place chicken in a ziplock bag and pour marinade over chicken. Marinate for 1 hour.
2. When ready to cook, grill chicken until done. Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes and then slice into strips to serve over pasta.
3. While chicken is grilling. Cook pasta according to directions (10-12 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain. 
4. In same sauce pan, melt butter over medium heat. 
5. Whisk in garlic and lemon juice. 
6. Pour in half and half & sugar and whisk until hot. 
7. Add some salt and pepper to taste. 
8. Add the parmesan cheese, basil and capers, and heat until cheese is melted. 
9. Check the consistency of the sauce and add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary. Toss in pasta.
10. Serve in pasta bowls with grilled chicken on top. Sprinkle with more parmesan if desired.  Also, serve it with my Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread!  :)