Hearty Chicken Fettuccine
A creamy, hearty chicken fettuccine dish with mushrooms and Parmesan, perfect for a comforting meal that combines rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 4 cooked chicken breasts (skinless, boned), cut into bite-sized pieces ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 cup liquid Butter Buds ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 cup evaporated skim milk ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan, blend flour, liquid Butter Buds, evaporated skim milk, and chicken broth.
- Add minced garlic, salt, and ground black pepper to the mixture.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Add cooked chicken breasts and drained sliced mushrooms to the sauce, stirring to combine.
- Fold the sauce mixture into cooked pasta.
- Serve immediately.
- If the sauce is too thick, add more evaporated skim milk and chicken broth as needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce during cooking. If you want a lighter version, substitute the evaporated skim milk with almond milk or a low-fat alternative. You can also replace the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. This dish pairs well with steamed broccoli or a side salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Hearty Chicken Fettuccine with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper on top. A side of garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad complements the dish perfectly. For a more filling meal, consider pairing it with a glass of white wine or a light Italian recipe that features fresh vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of evaporated skim milk if the sauce is too thick. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating without drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Chicken Fettuccine contains roughly 203 calories, with 20g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and iron. At about 203 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
Yes, fresh mushrooms can be used instead of canned for a more robust flavor. Simply slice them and sauté in a little olive oil until they are softened before adding them to the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time. Just store them separately and combine them with the pasta right before serving to keep everything fresh.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Fettuccine is traditional for this dish, but you can use any pasta you prefer. Penne or rotini also work well, as they hold the sauce nicely. Browse more Italian recipes for different pasta ideas!
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).