Creamy Caper Chicken Fettuccine

Juicy seared chicken and fettuccine meet a gently built Parmesan cream sauce, with capers and lemon cutting through its richness.

35 min

4 servings

Fettuccine coated in creamy Parmesan sauce with chicken strips, capers, parsley, and lemon zest.

Ingredients

12 oz fettuccine

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tsp kosher salt, divided

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

2 tbsp olive oil, divided

2 tbsp unsalted butter

3 garlic cloves, finely minced

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

2 tbsp capers, drained and rinsed

1/2 tsp finely grated lemon zest

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

2 tbsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

1 cup reserved pasta cooking water

Equipment

Large pasta pot · Large skillet · Tongs · Measuring cup · Instant-read thermometer

Keep the sauce silky

Use low heat and pasta water to loosen the sauce. A rolling boil can split the cream and make the cheese greasy.

Finish at the table

Offer extra Parmesan and lemon wedges, but taste the sauce before adding salt because capers already contribute brine.

Prepare chicken and pasta

01. Bring salted water to a boil and set out a cup for pasta water.

02. Slice chicken evenly, pat dry, and season with 3/4 tsp salt and pepper.

03. Sear in a shimmering skillet without crowding; move browned, cooked strips to a plate to rest.

04. Cook fettuccine al dente and reserve a cup of its water before draining.

Build the sauce gently

05. Lower the heat before adding garlic, oil, and butter; stir only until fragrant, then warm the cream at a quiet simmer.

06. Remove the skillet from heat to melt in Parmesan smoothly. Add rinsed capers, lemon, pepper flakes, and salt, tasting before any extra salt.

Toss and finish

07. Toss pasta with 1/3 cup pasta water first. Add the rest gradually only as needed; the sauce should coat the noodles lightly and will thicken as it rests.

08. Return chicken and resting juices just long enough to warm, fold through parsley, and serve while glossy.