Description
Smoky Paprika Chicken Alfredo with Lemon Feta Whip & Charred Green Beans is the ultimate weeknight indulgence. Tender grilled chicken tossed in bold smoky spices meets creamy Alfredo pasta, bright lemony feta whip, and charred green beans—all packed with flavor and easy enough to prep in under an hour. This plate balances heat, richness, and tang in every bite.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, diced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup whipping cream (plus more if needed)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
8 oz green beans, trimmed
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon slices or wedges
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss in diced chicken and coat evenly. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes or refrigerate up to 24 hours.
2. Grill the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet on medium-high. Cook the marinated chicken pieces for 4–5 minutes per side until charred and cooked through. Keep warm.
3. Boil the Pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
4. Make the Alfredo Sauce: In a skillet, heat heavy cream. Add Parmesan and whisk until melted and smooth. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Prepare Lemon Feta Whip: Blend feta, whipping cream, lemon juice, and zest until fluffy. Add more cream as needed to loosen.
6. Char the Green Beans: In a hot skillet with olive oil, sear green beans on high for 5–7 minutes until blistered and tender. Season with salt.
7. Assemble the Plate: Plate the Alfredo pasta, top with grilled chicken, a scoop of lemon feta whip, and charred green beans. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
Use smoked paprika—not sweet or hot—for best results.
Don’t skip resting the marinated chicken; it deepens flavor and tenderness.
Whipped feta can be made a day in advance and kept chilled for faster prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: smoky paprika chicken, Alfredo pasta, feta whip, grilled chicken, green beans