Fettucine With Chicken In Parmesan Cream
Creamy fettucine with tender chicken and broccoli, infused with Parmesan and subtle spices, perfect for a comforting, family-friendly dinner with rich flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray a 10-inch skillet with cooking oil and heat for 1 minute.
- Add chicken and cook for 3 minutes, then remove from the skillet.
- Melt margarine in the skillet.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add flour and cook, stirring constantly with a whisk, for 1 minute.
- Slowly add milk and cook until bubbly and thickened.
- Add Parmesan cheese, salt, white pepper, and nutmeg; cook until cheese melts.
- Add cooked pasta, blanched broccoli, and chicken to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. You can also substitute heavy cream for 1% milk for a creamier sauce. If you're short on time, precooked chicken can be a great shortcut. Adding some blanched broccoli not only enhances nutrition but also adds a nice color to the dish. For a twist, try incorporating sun-dried tomatoes, which pair beautifully with this creamy sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish immediately for the best texture, with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top. It pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a refreshing contrast, consider serving it with steamed green vegetables or a light Italian tomato salad. This recipe is sure to impress at any dinner gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to the skillet to help revitalize the sauce's creaminess, and warm over low heat, stirring gently until heated through. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can make the pasta gummy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fettucine With Chicken In Parmesan Cream contains roughly 1235 calories, with 13g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 102g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (100% of the Daily Value), iron (84% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2570mg per serving (112% 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 different types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, while fettuccine is traditional, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne or linguine. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose, and ensure it's cooked al dente before adding it to the sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the sauce for enhanced flavor while keeping it meat-free.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes into the sauce while cooking. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a dash of hot sauce before serving. This will give the dish a nice kick without overwhelming the creamy flavor.
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).