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Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Fettuccine with Juicy Chicken, Crispy Bacon, and Parmesan

A rich and creamy fettuccine pasta dish with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a bright lemon garlic butter sauce, all finished with Parmesan cheese.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces fettuccine
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Cook fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon drippings in the pan.
  3. Add olive oil and butter to the skillet. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.
  5. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and remaining smoked paprika. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If too thick, thin with reserved pasta water.
  7. Return chicken and bacon to the skillet. Add cooked fettuccine and toss to coat. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra richness, add an extra tablespoon of butter at the end. Lemon juice can be adjusted to taste.

  • Author: Chef Stella
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Method: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 720 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Fat: 42 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Protein: 32 g