Chicken Tequila Fettuccine is a mouthwatering dish featuring tequila-lime marinated chicken, creamy lime sauce, and fettuccine pasta, all mixed with crunchy peppers, shallots, and asparagus. Each bite of this Italian-inspired dinner is a delight! You can easily make this restaurant-quality pasta at home.
This recipe is quick to prepare and full of flavor. The secret? Using the same marinade for the chicken and the base of the lime-cream sauce. Chicken Tequila Fettuccine from California Pizza Kitchen is a fan favorite, and for a good reason! The creamy lime tequila sauce is simply amazing, and the combination of chicken and spinach fettuccine adds an extra layer of flavor.
Although California Pizza Kitchen no longer serves this dish, you can still enjoy it at home. You can also switch things up by using shrimp instead of chicken or even adding browned butter scallops for a special twist. Enjoy this delicious meal that’s sure to impress!
Chicken Tequila Fettuccine Cpk Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Garlic minced
- 2 tbsp Jalapeños minced
- 3 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup Chicken stock
- 2 tbsp Tequila
- 2 tbsp Lime juice
- 1 1/2 cups Heavy cream
- 3 tbsp Soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 1/2 Red onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 Red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1/2 Yellow bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1/2 Green bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Cilantro chopped
- 1 pound Spinach fettuccine cooked and drained (not rinsed)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, cook the garlic and jalapeño with the butter over medium-low heat.
- Add the chicken stock, tequila, and lime juice, and cook until it has a glaze-like consistency. Turn off the heat and whisk in the cream and soy sauce.
- In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and add the bell peppers and onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes until just slightly crisp.
- Chop the cooked chicken into cubes and add it back into the pan with the bell peppers and pasta.
- Pour in the cream mixture and add the cilantro. Toss together and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Notes
- Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of lime juice, tequila, garlic, and jalapeños for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse the chicken with additional zest and make it even more tender.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Be sure to cook the spinach fettuccine until it’s just al dente. This will prevent the pasta from becoming mushy when you toss it with the creamy sauce and vegetables.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, jalapeños, and lime juice will enhance the flavor of the sauce significantly. Also, using a variety of colorful bell peppers not only adds visual appeal but also a subtle sweetness that complements the spicy and creamy elements of the dish.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 715Â kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 60g |
| Protein | 32g |
| Fat | 35g |
| Sodium | 771mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 3g |
Can I Make This Dish Without Alcohol?
Yes, you can make Chicken Tequila Fettuccine without alcohol. The tequila adds a unique flavor, but you can substitute it with additional chicken stock or a splash of apple cider vinegar to get a similar tangy taste. The dish will still be delicious and flavorful.
What Can I Use If I Can’t Find Spinach Fettuccine?
If you can’t find spinach fettuccine, you can use regular fettuccine or any other pasta you prefer. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are good options if you have dietary restrictions. The creamy tequila jalapeño lime sauce will pair well with any type of pasta, so feel free to use what you have on hand.