CPK Chicken Tequila Fettuccine Recipe – Creamy Chicken Pasta

To make the iconic CPK Chicken Tequila Fettuccine Recipe at home. Creamy tequila-lime sauce, tender chicken, and peppers in a restaurant-style pasta.

What Makes the CPK Chicken Tequila Fettuccine Special

The CPK Chicken Tequila Fettuccine Recipe is a legendary California Pizza Kitchen dish, loved for its creamy tequila-lime sauce and bold, zesty flavor.

It combines creamy richness, citrus tang, and a hint of tequila to create a unique pasta experience. The vibrant bell peppers, juicy chicken, and spinach fettuccine make this dish both colorful and satisfying.

This CPK Chicken Tequila Fettuccine Recipe captures the signature restaurant flavor — from the jalapeño-cilantro cream sauce to the fresh lime aroma.

Whether cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish delivers that restaurant-quality flavor at home.

Ingredients for the CPK Chicken Tequila Fettuccine Recipe

To make this copycat CPK Chicken Tequila Fettuccine Recipe, you’ll need a few fresh, simple ingredients divided into pasta, sauce, and chicken components.

Category	Ingredients
Pasta	12 oz spinach fettuccine (or regular fettuccine)
Chicken & Veggies	2 boneless chicken breasts, sliced thin 1 tbsp olive oil 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced 1 small red onion, sliced
Tequila-Lime Sauce	1 tbsp minced garlic 2 jalapeños, seeded & chopped ¼ cup fresh lime juice ⅓ cup tequila (silver preferred) 1 cup heavy cream ¼ cup chopped cilantro 1 tbsp butter Salt & pepper to taste

Optional Garnish: Shredded parmesan, extra cilantro, or lime zest.

Pro Tip: Use silver tequila for the cleanest flavor, or swap in vegetable broth and lime juice for a non-alcoholic version.

How to Make the Tequila-Lime Sauce Base

The sauce is the heart of this CPK Chicken Tequila Fettuccine Recipe — creamy, tangy, and infused with tequila-lime goodness.

1. Sauté the aromatics:
   In a skillet, melt butter, add minced garlic and chopped jalapeños, and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add tequila and lime juice:
   Pour in tequila and lime juice (remove pan from direct flame first). Simmer 3 minutes to reduce and burn off alcohol, concentrating the flavor.
3. Add cream and cilantro:
   Stir in heavy cream and cilantro, then reduce heat to low. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

This creamy tequila-lime sauce forms the silky base of your CPK Chicken Tequila Fettuccine Recipe — rich, citrusy, and unforgettable.

Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables

The sautéed chicken and peppers add color, texture, and freshness to your CPK Chicken Tequila Fettuccine Recipe.

1. Cook the chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and tender. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the veggies:
   In the same pan, add sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté 3–4 minutes until soft but still crisp — the colors should remain bright.
3. Combine with sauce:
   Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the tequila-lime sauce, and simmer for 2 minutes so flavors meld together.

Your kitchen will now be filled with the vibrant aroma of creamy tequila-lime chicken pasta — exactly like the original CPK Chicken Tequila Fettuccine.

Bringing It All Together: Pasta + Sauce

1. Cook the pasta:
   Boil spinach fettuccine in salted water until al dente (8–10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
2. Toss everything together:
   Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with sauce and chicken. Toss to coat evenly. If needed, add a splash of pasta water for smoother consistency.
3. Final seasoning:
   Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lime for brightness.

And that’s it — your CPK Chicken Tequila Fettuccine Recipe is ready to serve, bursting with creamy, zesty flavor.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

The beauty of this copycat CPK Chicken Tequila Fettuccine Recipe is how easily it adapts:

• Non-alcoholic version: Use vegetable broth + extra lime juice instead of tequila.
• Add heat: Mix in crushed red pepper flakes or extra jalapeño for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or mushrooms.
• Different pasta: Linguine or tagliatelle are great substitutes.
• Thicken sauce: Simmer longer or add a spoon of cream cheese for a richer texture.

Each variation keeps the signature CPK flavor alive while catering to your personal taste.

Serving Suggestions & Storage

Serve your CPK Chicken Tequila Fettuccine Recipe immediately for the best creamy texture. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime zest, or parmesan cheese.

Perfect pairings: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
• Avoid microwaving on high—it can cause the sauce to separate.

This CPK Chicken Tequila Fettuccine Recipe stays creamy and flavorful even when reheated.

FAQ – CPK Chicken Tequila Fettuccine Recipe

1. Can I make this CPK Chicken Tequila Fettuccine Recipe without alcohol?
Yes! Substitute tequila with vegetable broth and extra lime juice. The flavor remains bright and tangy.

2. What’s the best tequila for cooking?
Use silver or blanco tequila—its clean flavor blends best into the sauce.

3. Can I use regular fettuccine instead of spinach fettuccine?
Absolutely. While spinach pasta adds color, regular fettuccine works just as well.

4. How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer longer or whisk in a bit of cornstarch slurry to thicken perfectly.

5. Is this dish spicy?
It’s mild to medium spicy, but you can add or reduce jalapeños to your liking.

Conclusion

Now you know how to recreate the CPK Chicken Tequila Fettuccine Recipe at home—creamy, citrusy, and bursting with flavor. Each bite delivers tender chicken, tangy lime, and a hint of tequila wrapped in velvety fettuccine.

Skip the restaurant and make this iconic CPK favorite yourself. With simple ingredients and a few expert techniques, you can enjoy the perfect tequila-lime chicken pasta any night of the week.

So grab your skillet, pour a splash of tequila, and savor the taste of California Pizza Kitchen’s famous Chicken Tequila Fettuccine—homemade and unforgettable.