If you’re craving a dish that combines creamy, tangy, and savory elements all on one plate, this Ultimate Lemon Fettuccine Alfredo with Grilled Chicken and Broccoli is for you. The bright zest of lemon cuts through the richness of the Alfredo sauce, while tender grilled chicken and crisp broccoli add a satisfying texture and flavor. It’s a comforting meal that’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress guests.
Steps
- Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions in salted water. Add broccoli to the pot during the last 5 minutes of pasta cooking time. Drain both together and reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water for later use, if needed.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add garlic and flour. Stir constantly for a minute, then slowly whisk in milk, cooking until the mixture thickens, and whisk to remove lumps.
- Incorporate cream cheese and parmesan into the thickened milk mixture, whisking until melted and smooth. Mix in cream and season with salt and a generous amount of pepper.
- Add lemon zest and lemon juice to the sauce, then combine with the drained pasta, broccoli, and grilled chicken. Toss everything together, using reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if necessary.
- Serve the dish warm, garnished with additional parmesan, lemon zest, and pepper to taste.
Ingredients
- Fettuccine noodles
- Fresh broccoli
- Grilled chicken, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Optional: Red pepper flakes (for added heat)
Nutritional Values
Calories 3030 | Calories from Fat 972 | Total Fat 108g | Saturated Fat 54g | Cholesterol 822mg | Sodium 2322mg | Potassium 4476mg | Total Carbohydrates 318g | Dietary Fiber 24g | Sugars 42g | Protein 180g | Vitamin A 5538IU | Vitamin C 348mg | Calcium 1554mg | Iron 12mg
FAQ
- Can I substitute the chicken in this recipe?
- Absolutely! You can swap out the chicken for shrimp or salmon for a delicious variation.
- What type of pasta works best with the lemon cream sauce?
- While fettuccine is recommended, you can also use spaghetti or your preferred pasta type.
- How can I add a bit of spice to the dish?
- To introduce some heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- What are some good side dishes to serve with this meal?
- Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or minestrone soup pair wonderfully with this dish.
- Is there a way to make the sauce thinner if needed?
- Yes, you can use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
- How can I enhance the lemon flavor in the pasta?
- For a more pronounced lemon taste, add extra lemon zest or juice to the sauce.
Tips
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always set aside a little pasta water before draining. This starchy water can help you adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.
- Add Broccoli Last Minute: For perfectly cooked broccoli, add it to the boiling pasta water in the last five minutes of cooking. This way, both the pasta and broccoli will finish cooking simultaneously.
- Balance the Sauce with Pepper: A generous amount of freshly cracked pepper enhances the lemony flavor of the sauce. If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Try Variations: For a different twist, substitute the chicken with shrimp or salmon, and replace fettuccine with spaghetti. You can also switch broccoli for asparagus for a new flavor profile.
