Chicken Piccata with Pasta

I made this dish for my friend Yeena after she had her baby.  Anyone that is expecting soon, should sign up for MealBaby.  It's a great way to help out new moms.  

Chicken Piccata with Pasta

Ingredients

6 ounces whole-wheat angel hair pasta

4 skinless and boneless chicken breasts, butterflied and then cut in half

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

All-purpose flour, for dredging

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/3 cup fresh lemon juice

2 cups chicken stock

1/2 cup white wine

1 10-ounce package mushrooms, sliced

1/4 cup brined capers, rinsed

1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped

chopped garlic

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge chicken in flour and shake off excess.

In a large skillet over medium high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 3 tablespoons olive oil. When butter and oil start to sizzle, add 2 pieces of chicken and cook for 3 minutes.

When chicken is browned, flip and cook other side for 3 minutes. Remove and transfer to plate. Melt 2 more tablespoons butter and add another 2 tablespoons olive oil. When butter and oil start to sizzle, add the other 2 pieces of chicken and brown both sides in same manner. Remove pan from heat and add chicken to the plate.

Heat some oil in the pan over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring, until they release their juices and begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Meanwhile, whisk 5 teaspoons flour and a 1/2 cup of broth in a small bowl until smooth.  Add garlic and wine to the pan and cook until reduced by half, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the reserved broth-flour mixture, lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring, until the sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just tender, 4 to 6 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and rinse.

Scrape up brown bits from the pan for extra flavor. Check for seasoning.  Return all the chicken to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove chicken to platter. 

Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, capers, parsley and reserved mushrooms. Measure out 1/2 cup of the mushroom sauce. Toss the pasta in the pan with the remaining sauce. Serve the pasta topped with the chicken and the reserved sauce.  Garnish with parsley.