Zesty Chicken Tequila Fettuccine
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Zesty Chicken Tequila Fettuccine, inspired by the beloved dish from California Pizza Kitchen. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts, colorful bell peppers, and a savory tequila-lime cream sauce, tossed with spinach fettuccine. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or to impress guests, this dish is both quick to prepare and satisfying. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of herbaceous flavor, while jalapeños deliver a subtle kick. Serve it family-style for a communal dining experience that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry spinach fettuccine
1 lb (or 2 pounds fresh)
fresh cilantro
1/2 cup (chopped (reserve 2 tablespoons for garnish))
minced garlic
2 tablespoons (fresh)
minced jalapeno peppers
2 tablespoons ((seeds and veins removed for milder flavor if desired))
unsalted butter
3 tablespoons ((reserve 1 tablespoon for sauté))
chicken stock
1/2 cup ((preferably homemade))
gold tequila
2 tablespoons
freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tablespoons
soy sauce
3 tablespoons
chicken breasts
1 1/4 lbs (diced into 3/4 inch pieces)
red onion
1/4 medium (thinly sliced)
red bell pepper
1/2 medium (thinly sliced)
yellow bell pepper
1/2 medium (thinly sliced)
green bell pepper
1/2 medium (thinly sliced)
heavy cream
1 1/2 cups
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Chicken Tequila Fettuccine?
Zesty Chicken Tequila Fettuccine is a vibrant pasta dish inspired by California Pizza Kitchen, featuring chicken, bell peppers, and a tequila-lime cream sauce.
What kind of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for dry or fresh spinach fettuccine to complement the flavors.
Can I use regular fettuccine instead of spinach fettuccine?
Yes, you can substitute spinach fettuccine with regular fettuccine if needed.
What type of tequila should I use?
The recipe recommends using gold tequila for the cream sauce.
How much chicken is required?
You will need 1 1/4 pounds of chicken breasts.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken breasts should be diced into 3/4 inch pieces.
Is this dish spicy?
The dish has a subtle kick from minced jalapeños, though the seeds and veins can be removed for a milder flavor.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes red onion and red, yellow, and green bell peppers.
What makes the sauce 'zesty'?
The sauce gains its zesty flavor from a combination of gold tequila, fresh lime juice, jalapeños, and cilantro.
How much heavy cream is used?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream to create the sauce.
Can I use store-bought chicken stock?
Yes, though the recipe notes that homemade chicken stock is preferable.
What is the role of soy sauce in this recipe?
Soy sauce adds a savory, umami depth to the tequila-lime cream sauce.
Is fresh cilantro used?
Yes, 1/2 cup of fresh chopped cilantro is used, with some reserved for garnish.
How should the bell peppers be sliced?
The red, yellow, and green bell peppers should be thinly sliced.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh minced garlic.
Is butter used for cooking?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter are used, with one tablespoon reserved specifically for sautéing.
Can I make this dish without alcohol?
While the tequila provides a specific flavor, you could substitute it with extra chicken stock and a splash of lime, though the flavor profile will change.
What type of onion is best?
The recipe uses 1/4 of a medium red onion, thinly sliced.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients in total for this Zesty Chicken Tequila Fettuccine.
How much lime juice is required?
You will need 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice.
How should the jalapeños be prepared?
The jalapeños should be minced, and you can remove the seeds and veins if you prefer less heat.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is described as a quick-to-prepare dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the popular Zesty Chicken Tequila Fettuccine from California Pizza Kitchen.
What is the recommended serving style?
It is suggested to serve this dish family-style for a communal dining experience.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, diced chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for breasts if preferred.
How much pasta does this recipe yield?
The recipe uses 1 pound of dry fettuccine or 2 pounds of fresh fettuccine.
What is the garnish for this dish?
The dish is garnished with reserved fresh chopped cilantro.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chicken, pasta, tequila, fettuccine, creamy sauce, Mexican flavor, quick meal, and family dinner.
Does the recipe use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifies using unsalted butter.
What type of bell peppers are used?
The recipe uses a colorful mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers.