Lemon Pepper Chicken With Fettucine
Lemon Pepper Chicken With Fettucine offers tender chicken breasts with bright lemon flavor and a creamy mushroom sauce, perfect for a hearty yet elegant meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 1/3 cup diced carrot ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped onion
- 8 sun-dried tomatoes, diced ⓘ
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup heavy cream ⓘ
- 1 pound sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 12-ounce package fettucine ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 2-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, bring water, diced carrot, chopped celery, chopped onion, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken bouillon cubes, and salt to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Add heavy cream to the saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and cover.
- In a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, cook sliced mushrooms and minced garlic in melted butter until browned and liquid has evaporated.
- Add the mushroom mixture to the cream sauce.
- Place chicken breasts on a broiler pan, sprinkle both sides with lemon juice and cracked black pepper.
- Broil chicken 4 inches from heat source for 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until no longer pink in the center.
- Cook fettucine according to package instructions, then serve topped with the chicken and mushroom cream sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. You can use fresh herbs instead of dried parsley for a more vibrant flavor. If you prefer your chicken grilled, marinate it in lemon juice and pepper before cooking. Ensure your mushrooms are well-cooked before adding them to the sauce to prevent excess moisture. This dish can also be enhanced by adding spinach or broccoli for extra nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Lemon Pepper Chicken with Fettucine garnished with chopped parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables. A glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay, complements the lemony flavors. For a complete meal, consider serving with garlic bread or a light, citrusy dessert to finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the fettuccine and mushroom cream sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can make the chicken rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Pepper Chicken With Fettucine contains roughly 1254 calories, with 50g protein, 160g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (242% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (152% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 other types of pasta instead of fettuccine?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is a great choice, you can substitute it with penne, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose for the best texture.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Additionally, increase the amount of mushrooms and add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to maintain a hearty texture and flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is not spicy; the primary flavor comes from the lemon and pepper. If you prefer some heat, you can add red pepper flakes to the cream sauce or sprinkle some on the chicken before broiling for an extra kick.
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).