Name: Smoky Paprika Chicken Alfredo with Lemon Feta Whip & Charred Green Beans
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 2 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti noodles; 2 tbsp butter; 2 cloves garlic (optional, minced); 1 cup heavy cream; ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed; ½ cup crumbled feta cheese; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 tbsp olive oil (for feta whip); 1 tbsp fresh dill (optional)

Looking for a dinner that brings bold flavor, creamy indulgence, and vibrant freshness all to one plate? This Smoky Paprika Chicken Alfredo with Lemon Feta Whip & Charred Green Beans is an all-in-one meal that hits every note. Juicy, smoky grilled chicken meets rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce over tender noodles, and it all gets a bright lift from a whipped lemon-feta spread. Finish with crisp-tender green beans, charred just enough to deepen their natural sweetness.

Whether you’re aiming to impress dinner guests or just treat yourself on a weeknight, this dish brings restaurant-quality results right to your kitchen. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to pull together with a few smart steps. Every bite is creamy, zesty, smoky, and totally satisfying.

What Kind of Paprika Should I Use?

For that deep, smoky flavor, smoked paprika is key. It adds complexity and color to the chicken, making it the star of the plate. Regular sweet paprika won’t deliver the same depth, so look for Spanish smoked paprika (often labeled as “pimentón”) in the spice aisle. If you like a bit of heat, a hot smoked paprika can dial things up nicely.

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

Chicken breast or thigh meat: Boneless, skinless chicken is best here. Thighs offer extra juiciness while breasts give a leaner profile.
Smoked paprika: Essential for the chicken marinade; it infuses the meat with bold, smoky flavor.
Garlic powder & onion powder: These pantry staples add savory depth.
Olive oil: Helps the spices adhere to the chicken and encourages caramelization on the grill or skillet.
Heavy cream: The base of the Alfredo sauce; go full-fat for richness.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for the creamiest, most flavorful Alfredo sauce.
Butter: Adds silkiness to the Alfredo.
Spaghetti or fettuccine noodles: Any long pasta works great, but fettuccine holds the sauce best.
Green beans: Fresh and snappy, ready to be blistered for texture and sweetness.
Feta cheese: The salty tang contrasts beautifully with the creamy Alfredo.
Lemon zest & juice: Brightens the feta whip and balances the dish.
Fresh dill (optional): For garnish and a fresh, herbal lift.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine chicken chunks with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss well and let sit for at least 20 minutes (or refrigerate up to overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic (optional) and cook for 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add grated Parmesan and whisk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm on low heat.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Boil your pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve a bit of pasta water, then drain and set aside. Toss with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill or Sear the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until nicely charred and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness). Remove and rest.

Step 5: Make the Lemon Feta Whip

In a small bowl, mash the feta with lemon juice, zest, and a splash of olive oil. Stir until creamy or blend for a smoother whip. Garnish with fresh dill if desired.

Step 6: Char the Green Beans

In the same pan used for chicken (or a fresh skillet), add trimmed green beans and cook over medium-high heat until blistered and tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt.

Step 7: Assemble the Plate

Plate the pasta and spoon over warm Alfredo sauce. Top with grilled chicken, a scoop of lemon feta whip, and a handful of charred green beans. Finish with fresh dill and a lemon wedge if you like.

Serving and Storing Smoky Paprika Chicken Alfredo

This dish is best served immediately while everything is hot and fresh—the Alfredo creamy, the chicken juicy, and the green beans still snappy. If you’re making it ahead for meal prep or storing leftovers:

Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the Alfredo sauce.
Avoid microwaving the feta whip; instead, let it come to room temp or re-whip briefly before serving.

If storing the components separately, this meal reheats wonderfully while keeping textures distinct.

What to Serve With Smoky Paprika Chicken Alfredo?

Garlic Bread

You can’t go wrong with warm, crispy garlic bread to mop up that rich Alfredo sauce.

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Their sweetness complements the smoky paprika beautifully and adds a burst of juiciness.

Cucumber-Dill Salad

A crisp, refreshing salad helps balance the richness of the dish.

Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

For an extra veggie side, roasted broccoli brings a deliciously nutty depth.

Creamy Polenta

Swap the pasta with creamy polenta for a cozy, southern twist.

Spicy Pickled Vegetables

The acidity and mild heat cut through the creamy components nicely.

White Wine

Try a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to elevate your meal.

Lemon-Herb Couscous

If you want a lighter carb base than pasta, couscous with lemon and herbs plays well with the feta and chicken.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you enjoyed this smoky, creamy fusion, check out these delicious and creative spins on chicken dinners:

Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce: Bite-sized and packed with flavor.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts: A simple skillet favorite with a rich finish.
Chicken Pomodoro: Fresh tomatoes, herbs, and golden chicken.
Crispy Buttery Chicken Fried Chicken with Country Gravy: Southern comfort at its best.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe: Ultra-creamy and date-night approved.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you char the green beans or steam them instead? Add herbs to the feta whip? I’d love to hear how you made this dish your own.

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