Buttery Garlic Chicken over Fettuccine
Hey there! Ready to cook something that’s super tasty and feels fancy but is super easy to make? Let me tell you about Buttery Garlic Chicken over Fettuccine—it’s creamy, savory, and oh-so-good.
Imagine tender chicken with buttery garlic sauce, all swirled with fettuccine noodles. Sounds amazing, right? It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a chef (even if it’s your first time cooking something this special).
The best part? You can whip this up in no time and wow your family or friends. Trust me, when they taste this, they’ll be asking for seconds—maybe even thirds!
Grab your apron, and let’s make this happen! Follow along, and I’ll show you step by step how to create this delicious dish. You’ve got this!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family Favorite: This creamy pasta dish is always a hit at the dinner table.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of these pantry staples on hand.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes from start to finish.
- Rich and Flavorful: The buttery garlic sauce is silky, savory, and perfectly coats every bite of pasta.
- Restaurant-Quality: You’ll feel like you’re dining at an upscale Italian restaurant from the comfort of home.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large skillet
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Tongs
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle (for reserving pasta water)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients for Buttery Garlic Chicken Over Fettuccine
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this indulgent dish (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into thin strips for even cooking.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the chicken perfectly.
- Butter: The star of the sauce, adding richness and flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for that irresistible aroma.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth to the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: For a luxurious, creamy texture.
- Fettuccine Pasta: The perfect shape for holding onto that luscious sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: For a pop of color and freshness.
Variations for Buttery Garlic Chicken
- Add Veggies: Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Use Different Pasta: Swap out fettuccine for spaghetti, penne, or linguine.
- Lemon Twist: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in a handful of mozzarella for a gooey, cheesy twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
First things first, gather all your ingredients. Slice your chicken breasts into thin strips and season both sides with salt and pepper. Mince your garlic, measure out your butter, and grate your Parmesan cheese.
2. Cook the Fettuccine
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the noodles, then set them aside.
3. Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (but don’t let it burn!). Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful brown bits stuck to the bottom.
5. Add the Cream and Parmesan
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, along with the drained fettuccine. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed.
7. Garnish and Serve
Transfer the buttery garlic chicken and fettuccine to a serving dish. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite.
Serving and Decoration
This Buttery Garlic Chicken over Fettuccine is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a special occasion. Serve it with:
- Garlic Bread: For an extra hit of buttery goodness.
- Side Salad: A crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens with vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
- Wine Pairing: A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with this creamy pasta.
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed.
Nutrition Information
Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
---|---|
Calories | 550 |
Protein | 35g |
Fat | 30g |
Saturated Fat | 15g |
Carbohydrates | 40g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sugar | 2g |
Sodium | 450mg |
(Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands.)
Buttery Garlic Chicken over Fettuccine
Course: Chicken Recipes4
servings10
minutes25
minutes550
kcalIngredients
1 pound chicken breasts (cut into thin strips)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
4 tablespoons butter (divided)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup heavy cream
½ pound fettuccine pasta
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Fettuccine: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sear the Chicken: Season chicken strips with salt and pepper. Sear in 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until cooked through. Remove from the skillet.
- Prepare the Sauce: Melt remaining butter in the skillet. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then deglaze with chicken broth. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth.
- Combine: Add chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time. Reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce may be slightly less creamy. You can also add a bit more Parmesan to thicken it.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat low and add the cream gradually while whisking to maintain a smooth consistency.
Conclusion
There you have it, friends—Buttery Garlic Chicken over Fettuccine that’s creamy, comforting, and downright delicious. Whether you’re treating yourself or cooking for family and friends, this dish is sure to impress. Try it out and let me know how it turned out for you. Happy cooking!
Enjoy making and savoring this delicious Buttery Garlic Chicken over Fettuccine! It’s sure to become a family favorite.