EASY COCONUT LEMON CHICKEN ALFREDO

The bright, zesty tang of lemon dances with the subtle sweetness of coconut, all swirled together in a luxuriously creamy Alfredo sauce, clinging to tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. This Coconut Lemon Chicken Alfredo is the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemmas, promising a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen. I promise you, this will become a new family favorite!

Let’s Gather Our Ingredients

Alright, friend, let’s make sure we have everything we need to create this culinary masterpiece. Don’t worry, I’ll guide you every step of the way!

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Coconut Lemon Alfredo Sauce:

• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups coconut milk (full-fat, canned)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 tbsp lemon zest
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb fettuccine pasta
• Salt for pasta water

Essential Equipment

Having the right tools makes everything easier! Here’s what I recommend:

• Large skillet or pot
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater
• Lemon zester

Step-by-Step Instructions to Coconut Lemon Chicken Alfredo Perfection

Okay, now for the fun part! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time. I’m here to help if you get stuck!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. You might need it later!
4. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook the chicken until it’s cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Coconut Lemon Alfredo Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant (but be careful not to burn it!).
3. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to create a roux. This will thicken our sauce!
4. Slowly pour in the coconut milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
5. Add the chicken broth and continue whisking until the sauce is smooth.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
7. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is creamy.
8. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Stir to combine.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the sauce.
2. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. Serve immediately and garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Coconut Lemon Chicken Alfredo

Here are a few of my favorite tips to make sure your dish turns out perfectly every time!

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s cooked through.
• Use Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest will give your sauce the best flavor.
• Control the Thickness of the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or pasta water. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes until it thickens.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add more lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, or salt and pepper.
• Add Some Heat: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Variations to Make It Your Own

The beauty of cooking is that you can always customize a recipe to your liking! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Add Vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, asparagus, or peas would all be delicious additions to this dish.
• Use Different Pasta: Penne, rotini, or linguine would all work well in place of fettuccine.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce.
• Add Shrimp: Replace the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This Coconut Lemon Chicken Alfredo is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• A simple green salad
• Garlic bread
• Roasted vegetables

Storing and Reheating

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little milk or chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overheat it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Seriously, what’s not to love? It’s:

• Easy to make: Perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The combination of coconut, lemon, and Parmesan is irresistible.
• Creamy and comforting: A truly satisfying meal.
• Versatile: Easily customizable to your liking.

More Delicious Pasta Recipes to Try

If you’re a pasta lover like me, you’ll definitely want to check out these other fantastic recipes:

• Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta: For a spicy, cheesy kick!
• Oven-baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken: Serve this alongside your favorite pasta for a complete meal.
• Crockpot Chicken Tortellini: A set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s perfect for busy days.
• Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A classic for a reason – simple, flavorful, and always a hit.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta: So good, it might just get you a proposal!
• Crispy Parmesan Chicken: Another great option to pair with any pasta dish.

Final Thoughts

There you have it – my Coconut Lemon Chicken Alfredo recipe! I hope you enjoy making and eating this dish as much as I do. Remember, cooking should be fun and relaxing, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking!