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Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata Fettuccine photo

Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata Fettuccine

This Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata Fettuccine is a perfect balance of zesty lemon and rich cream, tossed with tender chicken and al dente pasta for an easy, impressive dinner.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Chicken, Creamy, Easy, Lemon, Pasta, Quick
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces fettuccine uncooked
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 pound chicken breasts skinless and boneless, about 3 or 4
  • 2 teaspoons salt or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon pepper or to taste
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour for thickening
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped
  • 1 tablespoon capers
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
  • Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the 8 ounces of fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for later use.
  • While the pasta is cooking, season the 1 pound of chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once melted and hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
  • In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour. Whisk it together with the remaining butter and oil for about a minute to create a roux. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Gradually pour in 1 cup of low sodium chicken broth, whisking to combine and prevent lumps.
  • Stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, 1 tablespoon of capers, and 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Let the mixture simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  • Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Allow it to warm through for a couple of minutes, then season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it back to the skillet along with the drained fettuccine. Toss gently to coat the pasta and chicken in the creamy lemon sauce.
  • Plate the Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata Fettuccine and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot!

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Sharp Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Serving plates

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently with added chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or reduce butter and use more olive oil.
  • Try seasonal ingredient swaps like fresh basil or oregano for thyme, or add vegetables like asparagus or spinach for variety.