Smoky Paprika Chicken Alfredo with Lemon Feta Whip & Charred Green Beans

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Say hello to your new favorite dinner combo: Smoky Paprika Chicken Alfredo with Lemon Feta Whip and Charred Green Beans. This vibrant plate brings together bold spices, creamy textures, and bright, zesty finishes—the kind of meal that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to pull off. Each bite hits you with smoky heat from the chicken, the cool tang of lemony whipped feta, and the crisp snap of pan-seared green beans.

This dish works beautifully for a cozy dinner at home or a meal-prep hero that stays delicious for days. What makes it a standout is the layering of flavors: smoky paprika-marinated chicken is grilled to perfection, while the whipped feta adds a cooling balance. On the side, those blistered green beans bring freshness and crunch, tying the whole plate together.

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What Kind of Paprika Should I Use?

For this dish, smoked paprika is essential—not sweet or hot paprika. Smoked paprika gives the chicken its signature woodsy, fire-kissed depth that pairs beautifully with the creamy Alfredo. If you have Spanish pimentón (smoked paprika from Spain), that’s even better. Avoid regular paprika here, as it won’t deliver the same intensity or depth of flavor.

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Ingredients for the Smoky Paprika Chicken Alfredo with Lemon Feta Whip & Charred Green Beans

Chicken Thighs or Breasts – You want juicy, tender chicken that grills well and holds onto all those spices.

Smoked Paprika – This is the heart of the smoky flavor profile. It’s what gives the chicken its reddish color and deep, savory character.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – These pantry staples enhance the overall flavor of the marinade.

Olive Oil – Helps bind the spices and ensures the chicken doesn’t dry out while grilling.

Salt & Pepper – Always necessary to bring balance and elevate other ingredients.

Fettuccine or Your Favorite Pasta – A hearty noodle that can carry the creamy Alfredo sauce beautifully.

Heavy Cream + Parmesan – The base of your Alfredo sauce. Rich, silky, and indulgent.

Lemon Juice + Zest – Brings brightness and cuts through the richness of the feta whip.

Feta Cheese + Whipping Cream – When whipped together, they create a tangy, creamy topping with a hint of lemon.

Green Beans – Crisp, vibrant, and slightly charred, they add texture and balance to the plate.

Fresh Parsley – For garnish, freshness, and color.

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How To Make the Smoky Paprika Chicken Alfredo with Lemon Feta Whip & Charred Green Beans

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add diced chicken thighs or breasts and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 24 hours in the fridge.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken pieces for 4–5 minutes per side, until fully cooked and slightly charred. Set aside and keep warm.

Step 3: Boil the Pasta

Cook fettuccine (or your preferred pasta) in salted water according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In a skillet, add heavy cream and simmer over medium heat. Stir in grated Parmesan and whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Feta Whip

In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine crumbled feta, a splash of whipping cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Blend or whip until light and fluffy. Add more cream if needed to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Char the Green Beans

In a hot skillet, drizzle a bit of olive oil and add trimmed green beans. Sear over high heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until blistered and tender. Season with salt.

Step 7: Assemble the Plate

Twirl the Alfredo pasta into bowls or plates. Top with grilled smoky paprika chicken, a generous dollop of lemon feta whip, and a side of charred green beans. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a lemon wedge if desired.

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How to Serve and Store Smoky Paprika Chicken Alfredo with Lemon Feta Whip & Charred Green Beans

This colorful, flavor-packed plate is best served fresh, right after cooking. The Alfredo pasta should be warm and creamy, the grilled chicken freshly seared and tender, and the whipped feta just cool enough to offer a refreshing contrast. For presentation, arrange everything neatly in sections on a plate or shallow bowl, garnishing with lemon slices and parsley for that final pop.

Leftovers? They store incredibly well. Refrigerate the pasta, chicken, whipped feta, and green beans separately in airtight containers. Reheat the chicken and pasta gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to revive the Alfredo. The feta whip is best served cold, even as a spread for sandwiches or wraps the next day.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of smoked paprika?

If you can’t find smoked paprika, chipotle powder is a good substitute with a smoky-spicy edge. Just reduce the amount slightly to avoid too much heat.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

You can, but freshly grilled chicken makes all the difference. If using pre-cooked, season and sear it again briefly in a hot skillet to revive the flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety and ensure the spices and sauces used are labeled gluten-free.

How long does the lemon feta whip last?

Stored in an airtight container, it lasts up to 4 days in the fridge. Stir before using to refresh the texture.

Can I roast the green beans instead?

Yes! Toss them in olive oil, season with salt, and roast at 425°F for about 15–18 minutes until blistered.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not overly. The smoked paprika adds a warm depth, not heat. If you like spice, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Smoky Paprika Chicken Alfredo, you’ll definitely want to explore more comforting and creative chicken recipes. Here are a few standout dishes that bring variety and bold flavors to your table:

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for a rich, silky twist.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine if you enjoy citrusy balance with a salty punch.
• Sweet Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken Pasta when you’re craving something both sweet and sharp.
• One Skillet Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken Pasta for a dinner with heat and honeyed glaze.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes for a cozy one-pan classic.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life with Nina on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how your version turned out. Did you add extra lemon to the feta whip? Char your beans longer for extra crunch? I’d love to hear how you made this meal your own. Sharing your tweaks helps others get inspired too!

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