Creamy Lemon Chicken Fettuccine Recipe
Description
Creamy Lemon Chicken Fettuccine is a luscious, tangy pasta dish that combines tender seared chicken with fettuccine in a rich, zesty lemon cream sauce. Perfectly balanced with garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, it’s a restaurant-quality meal you can make at home in under 45 minutes.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta:
8 oz (225 g) fettuccine pasta
Water + salt (for boiling)
For the Sauce:
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups heavy cream (or half and half for a lighter version)
½ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
1 lemon (zest + 3 tbsp juice)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pasta:
Boil fettuccine in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken breasts 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and let simmer for 2 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream and lemon juice + zest. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened slightly.
Stir in Parmesan and red pepper flakes (if using). Add salt & pepper to taste.
Add drained fettuccine and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to thin if needed.
4. Assemble & Serve:
Top pasta with sliced chicken. Garnish with parsley and extra lemon zest if desired.
Serve warm with crusty bread or a green salad.
Total Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving — based on 4 servings)
Nutrient Amount
Calories 640–700 kcal
Protein 38g
Carbohydrates 45g
Fat 38g
Saturated Fat 19g
Cholesterol 160mg
Sodium 520mg
Fiber 2g
Sugar 2g
Vitamin C 25% DV
Calcium 20% DV
Note: Nutrition may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead, refrigerate for up to 2 days, and reheat gently before serving with freshly boiled pasta.
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: You can use whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a bit of flour or cream cheese to thicken it.
Q: What vegetables go well in this dish?
A: Spinach, peas, or asparagus are great additions. Stir them in at the end or sauté with garlic.
Q: Is it possible to make it gluten-free?
A: Yes, just substitute with gluten-free fettuccine and ensure your broth and Parmesan are gluten-free.
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely! Just slice and add to the sauce during the final step to warm it up.