Classic Chicken Fettuccine

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Classic Chicken Fettuccine is a delightful combination of creamy, savory, and comforting flavors. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its rich sauce and tender chicken.

Ingredients for Classic Chicken Fettuccine

Fettuccine pasta is the backbone of this dish, offering a hearty base that holds the creamy sauce beautifully. Chicken breasts provide the protein, delivering juicy and flavorful bites. Olive oil not only helps in cooking the chicken but also adds a subtle richness. The garlic introduces an aromatic depth, while unsalted butter makes the sauce indulgently rich. Heavy cream is the key to that luscious texture, and Parmesan cheese brings a savory umami punch. A little nutmeg adds warmth and complexity, and parsley gives a fresh, vibrant finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in a little lemon juice and herbs before cooking.
  • Don't rush the sauce; let it simmer gently for the perfect creamy consistency.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it gets too thick.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and meltability.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables. A glass of chilled white wine can complement the creamy sauce beautifully. For a heartier meal, serve it with a warm, crusty bread on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional, you can use any pasta you prefer, like penne or linguine.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance. Reheat them gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
What if I don't have heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and melted butter for a similar richness.

Classic Chicken Fettuccine Recipe Walkthrough

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook your fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions. Drain it well and set it aside for later.

Next, take your chicken breasts and season them generously with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, roughly 6-7 minutes on each side. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it's fragrant. Reduce the heat to low and add the butter. Allow it to melt completely, then stir in the heavy cream. Let this mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add a pinch of nutmeg and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.

Finally, combine the cooked fettuccine and sliced chicken with the sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A perfect balance of creamy sauce and tender chicken.
  • Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Uses simple ingredients you might already have at home.
  • Customizable with various add-ins to suit your taste.

Ingredients

12 oz fettuccine pasta
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 tsp nutmeg
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet, let rest, then slice thinly.
3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Reduce heat to low, add butter, and let it melt completely. Stir in heavy cream, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Add nutmeg, and season with more salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine cooked fettuccine and sliced chicken in the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

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