Savory Memories

Lemon-Caper Chicken with Creamy Calabrian Zucchini & Orzo

35-45 minute recipe featuring vibrant chile paste from Calabria—a region of southern Italy known for its spicy, bright red peppers. It adds delicious tang in addition to its notable heat.

Serves 2 (or 4 servings if doubled)Cook 35-45 minutes
Ingredients
  • 2 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (or 10 20 oz Shrimp, or 10 20 oz Boneless Chicken Breast Pieces, or 2 4 Skin-On Salmon Fillets)
  • 4 8 oz Orzo Pasta
  • 1 2 Zucchini
  • 2 4 cloves Garlic
  • 1 2 Tbsp Capers
  • 1 2 Lemon
  • ¼ ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 2 4 Tbsp Mascarpone Cheese
  • 1 ½ 3 tsp Calabrian Chile Paste
  • 1 2 Tbsp Italian Seasoning
  • Olive Oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper
Method
1

Fill a medium pot or large for 4 servings ¾ of the way up with salted water; cover and heat to boiling on high.

2

Wash and dry the fresh produce.

3

Have the zucchini lengthwise, then thinly slice crosswise.

4

Roughly chop 2 cloves of garlic.

5

Quarter and dress the lemon(s).

6

Add the pasta to the pot of boiling water and cook, uncovered, 8 to 10 minutes, or until tender. Turn off the heat.

7

Drain thoroughly and return to the pot. Cover to keep warm.

8

Meanwhile, in a medium nonstick pan for large for 4 servings, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot.

9

Add the sliced zucchini in an even layer. Cook, without stirring, 2 to 3 minutes, or until lightly browned.

10

Add as much of the chile paste as good of bite, depending on how spicy you'd like the dish to be; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, 2 to 3 minutes, or until thoroughly combined and the zucchini is softened.

11

Transfer to a plate; cover with foil to keep warm.

12

Rinse and wipe out the pan.

13

Put the chicken dry with paper towels; season on both sides with salt, pepper, and the Italian seasoning.

14

In the same pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot.

15

Add the seasoned chicken. Cook 6 to 9 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.

16

Leaving any browned bits (or fond) in the pan, transfer to a cutting board.

17

When cool enough to handle, slice the cooked chicken crosswise.

18

In the pan of reserved fond, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot.

19

Add the chopped capers and chopped garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until slightly softened.

20

Turn off the heat. Carefully stir in the juice of 2 lemon wedges.

21

To the pot of cooked pasta, add the cooked zucchini, mascarpone, and the juice of the remaining lemon wedges. Stir to combine.

22

Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired.

23

Serve the finished pasta topped with the sliced chicken and lemon-caper topping. Garnish with the parmesan. Enjoy!

Customized options available for shrimp, chicken pieces, or salmon fillets with separate cooking instructions. Cooking instructions are written for 2 servings; if cooking for 4, use larger pots and pans, work in batches when necessary, and double any measurements that are highlighted. Cooking temperature: The USDA recommends a minimum safe cooking temperature of 165°F for chicken and 145°F for fish. Featured ingredient: Calabrian Chile Paste.

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Lemon-Caper Chicken with Creamy Calabrian Zucchini & Orzo
A vibrant chile paste from Calabria—a region of southern Italy known for its spicy, bright red peppers. It adds delicious tang in addition to its notable heat.
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