Lemon Garlic Chicken Fettuccine

As you take your first bite, the citrusy aroma and rich flavors will transport you to a cozy Italian evening, leaving you craving for more.

Introduction to the Recipe

To make this delectable dish, let’s first cover the basics.

Prep and Cook Time

Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, with a cooking time of 25 minutes, totaling 45 minutes.

Yield (Servings)

This recipe serves 4 people, perfect for a small gathering or family dinner.

Difficulty Level

The difficulty level of this recipe is moderate, requiring some experience with cooking pasta and handling chicken.

Ingredients and Instructions

To create this mouth-watering lemon garlic chicken fettuccine, you will need:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 pound of fettuccine pasta
• 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

To prepare the dish, follow these steps:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Pour in the lemon juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has slightly thickened.
6. Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing everything together to combine, adding some reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the chicken with the lemon garlic sauce.
8. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme to taste.
9. Transfer the fettuccine to a serving dish, top with grated Parmesan cheese, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Additional Tips and Variations

Chef’s Notes or Substitutions

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with roasted or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality ingredients, especially the lemons and Parmesan cheese, for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook the fettuccine to maintain its texture.
• Add the pasta water gradually to achieve the perfect sauce consistency.

Storage and Nutrition

Storage & Reheating

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a bit of cream or pasta water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Nutrition Table

Calories	Carbs	Protein	Fat	Sugar
550	40g	35g	25g	5g

Frequently Asked Questions

You might have some questions about making lemon garlic chicken fettuccine. Here are a few answers:

1. Can I make this recipe with gluten-free pasta? Yes, simply substitute the fettuccine with a gluten-free alternative.
2. How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick? Add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
3. Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh? While fresh parsley is preferred for its flavor and texture, dried parsley can be used in a pinch.

Conclusion

Lemon garlic chicken fettuccine is a dish that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. With its bright, citrusy flavors and creamy sauce, it’s perfect for any occasion. So, go ahead and give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful experience of savoring each delicious bite.