Sauteed Chicken Strips Over Fettuccine With Cheese And Cream
Creamy sautéed chicken strips served over tender fettuccine with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and fresh parsley for a rich, comforting Italian-inspired dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. uncooked fettuccine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup margarine or butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream ⓘ
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped ⓘ
- Dash of ground black pepper ⓘ
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut chicken breast halves into strips about 3/4 to 1 inch wide.
- Saute chicken strips in olive oil with minced garlic until lightly browned.
- Remove chicken from skillet, drain on paper towel, and keep warm in a covered pan in a slightly warm oven.
- Cook fettuccine according to package instructions.
- Meanwhile, heat margarine and heavy whipping cream in a 1 1/2-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until margarine is melted.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
- Drain cooked fettuccine.
- Pour sauce over the fettuccine and toss to coat evenly.
- Place the fettuccine on serving plates.
- Decoratively arrange sautéed chicken strips on top of the fettuccine and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine and adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will enhance the dish more than pre-grated varieties. If you want a lighter meal, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a cream alternative. Pairing with a side salad can also freshen up the meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sautéed chicken strips over fettuccine immediately for the best texture. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad for a complete meal. For a twist, serve alongside a light Italian wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the fettuccine and chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream to keep the sauce from becoming too thick. Avoid microwaving for even heat distribution.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sauteed Chicken Strips Over Fettuccine With Cheese And Cream contains roughly 603 calories, with 26g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (54% of the Daily Value), protein (51% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 974mg per serving (42% 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?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional for this recipe, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne or linguine. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions to ensure the pasta is perfectly al dente.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free fettuccine or any gluten-free pasta alternative. Ensure that the Parmesan cheese is also labeled gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients should naturally be gluten-free, making this a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving over freshly cooked pasta to maintain the best flavor and texture.
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).