Description
Enjoy a creamy lemon chicken fettuccine that features tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, zesty sauce. This dish is perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions, guaranteed to impress with its delightful flavors!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine or pasta of your choice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Once the water is boiling, add the fettuccine (or your chosen pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside. Toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer to deglaze the pan.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the lemon juice and zest, along with the dried Italian herbs. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy lemon sauce and chicken.
- Gently toss until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
- Plate the pasta in shallow bowls for presentation.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- For added nutrition, consider incorporating vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or peas into the dish.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version of the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes