Creamy Garlic Chicken Fettuccine
Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy with a dish that will leave you wanting more. Imagine tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked fettuccine.
Recipe Details
Timing and Servings
– Prep Time: 20 minutes
– Cook Time: 25 minutes
– Yield: 4 servings
Difficulty and Ingredients
– Difficulty Level: Moderate
Ingredients and Instructions
What You Need
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Chopped parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Cooking Steps
- 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.
- 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 from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the butter until melted. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with basil, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked fettuccine to the cheese sauce, tossing to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until the chicken is well coated with the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley or thyme if desired.
Chef’s Insights
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with roasted mushrooms or eggplant. You can also add some diced bell peppers or zucchini to increase the nutrient density of the dish.
Tips for the Best Outcome
* Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
* Don’t overcook the fettuccine to keep it al dente.
* Reserve enough pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
Storage and Reheating
You can store the cooked fettuccine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a bit more cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Nutritional Information
| Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 550 | 35g | 37g | 32g | 5g |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the key to a creamy garlic sauce?
The key is using high-quality heavy cream and real Parmesan cheese.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead and assemble just before serving.
3. Is there a low-fat version of this recipe?
You can substitute the heavy cream with a lighter version or half-and-half for a slightly healthier option.
4. Can I add other proteins to this dish?
Yes, shrimp or pancetta can be great additions to the creamy garlic chicken fettuccine.
Conclusion
With its decadent sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, this creamy garlic chicken fettuccine is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and indulge in the rich flavors and satisfying texture that will leave you and your family wanting more.
