Chicken-Pecan Fettuccine
Creamy chicken and mushroom fettuccine with toasted pecans offers rich flavors and a comforting texture, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup margarine ⓘ
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4 inch pieces ⓘ
- 3 cups sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 10 ounces uncooked fettuccine noodles ⓘ
- 1/2 cup margarine, melted ⓘ
- 1 egg yolk
- 2/3 cup half and half ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt 1/4 cup margarine in a large skillet; add chicken and sauté until lightly browned.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Leave drippings in the skillet.
- Add mushrooms, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the skillet; sauté until tender.
- Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, cook the fettuccine noodles according to package instructions.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk; stir in the half and half and melted margarine.
- Drain the cooked noodles and add to the skillet with the chicken and mushroom mixture.
- Pour the egg mixture over the noodles and toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and toasted pecans before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the dish, consider adding toasted pecans for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. If you don't have half and half, a mix of milk and cream works well. For a lighter option, substitute margarine with olive oil. You can also use rotisserie chicken to save time. This recipe beautifully complements other Italian recipes, such as Pasta With Chicken And Sun-Dried Tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken-Pecan Fettuccine with a light side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Pairing it with a crisp white wine can enhance the flavors. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional fresh parsley on top before serving. This dish is a great main course option for gatherings or family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of half and half to keep the noodles moist. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken-Pecan Fettuccine contains roughly 1823 calories, with 90g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 135g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), protein (180% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (171% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2432mg per serving (106% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute fettuccine with any pasta of your choice, such as penne or linguine. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose to maintain the right texture.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with sautéed tofu or a mix of your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers and zucchini, to keep the dish vibrant and flavorful while catering to vegetarian preferences.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free fettuccine or any gluten-free pasta alternative. Ensure that all other ingredients, including margarine and seasonings, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).