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Homemade Lemon Fettuccine Alfredo with Grilled Chicken and Broccoli photo

Lemon Fettuccine Alfredo with Grilled Chicken and Broccoli

Creamy lemony Alfredo tossed with fettuccine, grilled chicken, and broccoli for a bright, comforting weeknight meal.
Print Recipe Save it
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • large deep skillet
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz dry fettuccine pasta
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts grilled and sliced into strips
  • 4 cups broccoli florets from about 1 lb broccoli crowns
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups milk preferably 1%
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 3 oz cream cheese light or regular, diced into cubes
  • 1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan about 1.5 oz, plus more for serving
  • 3 Tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 Tbsp lemon zest plus more for serving
  • 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package directions; add the broccoli florets during the last 5 minutes of cooking so both finish together.
  • Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
  • In a large deep skillet over medium heat, melt the butter, add the minced garlic and flour, and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly to form a roux.
  • Slowly whisk the milk into the roux, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps, and cook until the mixture begins to thicken.
  • Add the cubed cream cheese and shredded Parmesan, whisking until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth.
  • Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  • Add the drained pasta, broccoli, and sliced grilled chicken to the sauce and toss to combine; if the sauce is too thick, thin with reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  • Serve warm topped with additional Parmesan, extra lemon zest, and more black pepper if desired.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
  • Grill chicken ahead to save time.