Chicken Mushroom Fettuccine

Embark on a gastronomic journey with our Chicken Mushroom Fettuccine – a rich and savory pasta dish that marries the succulence of chicken cutlets with the earthy goodness of fresh mushrooms. Elevate your culinary experience as you savor the symphony of flavors in every twirl of fettuccine. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the art of creating this exquisite dish, perfect for impressing dinner guests or indulging in a special homemade meal.

Ingredients

• 6 cutlet chicken breast cutlets (about 2 1/2 pounds total)
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
• 1/3 cup minced shallots
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups half and half
• 1/2 cup grated freshly Parmesan cheese, divided
• 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
• Additional flat-leaf parsley sprigs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Season and Sear Chicken

1. Season chicken cutlets with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Sear chicken cutlets until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms and Aromatics

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and butter.
2. Sauté sliced mushrooms until browned and tender.
3. Add minced shallots and garlic, cooking until fragrant.

Step 3: Deglaze with White Wine

1. Pour in white wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom.
2. Allow the wine to reduce by half.

Step 4: Create the Sauce Base

1. Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture, stirring to combine.
2. Slowly pour in half and half, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer until it thickens.

Step 5: Add Parmesan and Fresh Parsley

1. Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted.
2. Add minced fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Return the seared chicken cutlets to the skillet, coating them in the luscious mushroom and Parmesan sauce.
2. Allow the chicken to heat through in the sauce.

Step 7: Cook Fettuccine

1. Meanwhile, cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions.
2. Drain and toss the cooked pasta with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

1. Plate the fettuccine and top with the chicken cutlets and mushroom sauce.
2. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
3. Garnish with optional flat-leaf parsley sprigs for a finishing touch.

Cook Notes and Variations

• Vegetarian Twist: Substitute chicken with plant-based alternatives or extra mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Extra Greens: Toss in a handful of fresh spinach or arugula to add a pop of color and nutrients.
• Lemon Zest: Grate some lemon zest over the finished dish for a citrusy kick.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

Keto Version

• Replace fettuccine with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
• Use heavy cream instead of half and half for a higher fat content.
• Opt for almond flour or coconut flour as a low-carb alternative to all-purpose flour.

Low-Carb Version

• Choose a low-carb pasta alternative like konjac noodles or spaghetti squash.
• Reduce the amount of shallots and garlic to lower carb content.
• Experiment with a blend of unsweetened almond milk and heavy cream to cut down on carbs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?

Certainly! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used as a flavorful alternative to chicken breast cutlets. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q2: What type of white wine is best for this recipe?

Opt for a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the richness of the dish.

Q3: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the sauce and store it separately. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and cook the chicken cutlets.

Q4: Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

While freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for optimal flavor, you can use pre-grated Parmesan as a convenient alternative.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover Chicken Mushroom Fettuccine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Indulge in the culinary masterpiece that is our Chicken Mushroom Fettuccine – a dish that combines the elegance of fettuccine pasta with the richness of a Parmesan and mushroom sauce. Whether you’re treating yourself to a gourmet dinner or impressing guests with your culinary prowess, this recipe is a winner. Customize it with your preferred variations, explore keto or low-carb adaptations, and let each bite be a reminder of the joy found in a well-crafted pasta dish. Get ready to savor the harmonious blend of flavors in this delightful creation!