We love the zesty flair of California Pizza Kitchen’s Chicken Tequila Fettuccine. It fuses tangy lime with tender chicken and a splash of tequila into a bold flavor punch. Bright peppers and fresh cilantro make every bite pop with color.
We think it’s perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends. The creamy sauce merges with bright peppers to create a mouthwatering balance that keeps us coming back for more. With a handful of simple ingredients we can recreate that restaurant magic in our own kitchen and enjoy a little taste of California anytime.
California Pizza Kitchen Chicken Tequila Fettuccine Recipe
| Servings | Preparation Time | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 15 minutes | 20 minutes |
Ingredients
- 1 pound sliced boneless chicken breast
- 8 ounces fettuccine
- 2 tablespoons tequila
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the fettuccine until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine tequila lime juice and soy sauce in a bowl. Stir well.
- Add the sliced chicken breast to the bowl. Coat evenly. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook until lightly browned.
- Stir in the sliced green bell pepper and red bell pepper. Sauté until peppers soften.
- Reduce heat to low. Pour in heavy cream. Stir the sauce gently.
- Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the cooked fettuccine. Toss with the sauce until fully coated.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top. Serve hot.
Tips and Variations
- Use fresh lime juice for maximum citrus flavor
- Stir the sauce frequently for a smooth texture
- Increase or reduce the tequila to adjust the bold taste
- Replace heavy cream with half-and-half if desired
Ingredients
We gather these fresh items for our bold California Pizza Kitchen Chicken Tequila Fettuccine recipe. Let us prepare them in advance for a smooth cooking experience.
Chicken And Pasta
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast cut into thin strips
- 8 ounces fettuccine cooked al dente
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Tequila Cream Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup thinly sliced bell peppers (use red yellow or green)
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup tequila
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 small jalapeño minced (optional for extra spice)
Tools And Equipment
We rely on these essential items to prepare our California Pizza Kitchen Chicken Tequila Fettuccine. Each piece helps us manage different steps efficiently.
| Item | Use |
|---|---|
| Large Pot | Boils the fettuccine for an al dente bite |
| Strainer | Drains the noodles thoroughly |
| Skillet | Sautés our chicken, bell peppers, jalapeño, and garlic for the Tequila Cream Sauce |
| Cutting Board and Sharp Knife | Chops the chicken, bell peppers, jalapeño, and cilantro with precision |
| Measuring Cups and Spoons | Ensures accurate portions of tequila, lime juice, heavy cream, and seasonings |
We keep a wooden spoon on hand to stir the sauce without scratching our skillet. We choose a sturdy nonstick pan for even heat distribution because that improves the flavor release from our ingredients.
Prep Steps
We gather our ingredients and organize them for quick usage. We keep a steady focus on proper slicing and seasoning.
Prepping The Chicken
Trim any fat from the 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast. Pat it dry with paper towels. Cut the chicken into thin strips for even cooking. Place the strips in a shallow dish with a few tablespoons of tequila. Add 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice if desired. Cover and let the chicken soak while we chop other ingredients.
Chopping Vegetables
Gather 1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, and 1 jalapeño. Remove seeds from the peppers if we prefer less heat. Chop them into uniform strips for even sautéing. Mince 2 cloves of garlic for a strong base. Roughly chop a handful of fresh cilantro for added color.
| Vegetable | Preparation Style |
|---|---|
| Red bell pepper | Thin strips |
| Green bell pepper | Thin strips |
| Jalapeño | Minced or diced |
| Garlic | Minced |
| Cilantro | Roughly chopped |
Store each ingredient in separate bowls for quick access.
Instructions
We bring together vibrant peppers, tender chicken, and creamy sauce for a bold California Pizza Kitchen Chicken Tequila Fettuccine. Below we walk through each step to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Cooking The Pasta
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil
- Add 1 tablespoon of salt for flavor
- Gently add the fettuccine and cook for about 8 minutes or until al dente
- Drain the pasta and set it aside
Sautéing The Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a sturdy nonstick skillet
- Add the marinated chicken strips and sauté for about 6 minutes until the meat is golden
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm
Making The Tequila Sauce
- Add sliced bell peppers, garlic, and any optional jalapeño to the same skillet
- Cook until peppers soften
- Stir in the tequila followed by the lime juice
- Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens
- Add chopped cilantro for fresh aroma
Combining Everything
- Return the chicken to the skillet and mix it with the sauce
- Add the cooked fettuccine and toss thoroughly
- Adjust seasoning as needed
- Serve our creamy California Pizza Kitchen Chicken Tequila Fettuccine topped with extra cilantro
| Step | Approximate Time |
|---|---|
| Boiling the pasta | 8 minutes |
| Sautéing the chicken | 6 minutes |
| Thickening the sauce | 5 minutes |
| Finishing with fettuccine | 2 minutes |
Serving Suggestions
We enjoy serving our California Pizza Kitchen Chicken Tequila Fettuccine with extra lime wedges and chopped cilantro on top. The citrus adds a bright finish and the extra cilantro brings out the herbal notes in the sauce. Here are a few tips we follow:
- Pair this creamy pasta with garlic bread for a buttery crunch.
- Offer a crisp green salad or a light side of sautéed vegetables to balance the rich flavors.
- Top individual plates with a drizzle of fresh lime juice or a few thin slices of jalapeño if we crave extra heat.
- Serve this dish right away so the sauce stays thick and the chicken remains tender.
When we put together a quick meal plan for our dinner guests we like the following pairings:
| Serving Idea | Portion (Per Person) |
|---|---|
| Crisp Green Salad | 1 cup |
| Garlic Bread | 2 slices |
| Extra Lime Wedges | 2 wedges |
| Thin Jalapeño Slices | 2 to 3 slices |
We keep all garnishes accessible so everyone can customize their bowls as they please.
Conclusion
We love how this California Pizza Kitchen Chicken Tequila Fettuccine brings a flavorful twist to our dinner routine. The tangy tequila cream sauce tender chicken strips and colorful peppers come together in minutes but leave a lasting impression. It’s a dish that’s sure to spark conversation whether we’re hosting friends or just treating ourselves on a weeknight.
We encourage you to garnish with fresh lime slices or cilantro and explore different sides to complement the meal. Gather your ingredients and get ready for a memorable pasta night.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Chicken Tequila Fettuccine so special?
This dish combines tangy lime, tender chicken, and a splash of tequila for a bold, memorable flavor. The peppers and fresh cilantro add vibrant color, while a creamy sauce ties everything together. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that can easily be made at home with everyday kitchen tools and fresh ingredients.
Can I adjust the level of spice in this recipe?
Absolutely. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the jalapeño. For extra heat, leave in the seeds or add a dash of chili flakes. Experimenting with spice levels ensures you get the perfect kick for your taste.
How long does it take to prepare and cook?
On average, this recipe takes about 25–30 minutes. Boiling the fettuccine often requires around 10–12 minutes, while sautéing the chicken and peppers plus preparing the sauce usually takes another 15–18 minutes. Proper ingredient organization before you start will make the cooking process even faster.
What ingredients are essential for the tequila cream sauce?
Key components include garlic, tequila, lime juice, bell peppers, and heavy cream. Garlic and peppers provide savory notes, while tequila and lime juice lend a tangy twist. The heavy cream balances those bold flavors, creating a velvety sauce that complements the pasta and chicken perfectly.
Which kitchen tools do I need?
A large pot is essential for boiling pasta, and a skillet is needed for sautéing the chicken and vegetables. You’ll also need a cutting board and sharp knife for chopping, measuring cups and spoons for precise quantities, and a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring the sauce efficiently.
Any serving suggestions or garnishes?
Garnish with extra cilantro, lime wedges, or freshly grated cheese to enhance the flavors. Garlic bread or a crisp green salad pairs wonderfully for added texture and balance. Keep extra toppings within easy reach so each guest can customize their plate to taste.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To retain the dish’s creamy texture, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if it appears too thick. This keeps the flavors vibrant.