Here it is a few days before my step-sister’s bridal shower (which I am in charge of) and as time slips by, I can’t help but think of a comment that was left on my blog…
Oh, I love you hon, but really, do you want to know what it’s like having me plan something? I have finally written out my menu and started shopping, and stressing about the deep clean I want to give this place tomorrow, and still have yet to decide 100% on favors. There’s a row of vines in my yard that just decided to up and die that need to be removed and a dog and two very friendly cats that I have no idea where I’m putting.
I’m sure there are people that can make throwing a bridal shower an easy event with pink everywhere and ruffles and feathers about. (because I think most girls like pink, ruffles and feathers?) Put my in a room with all girls though, and you might as well be ready for the blaring your horn, high beams on, slamming your break because this deer ain’t moving kind of panic that is going to set in. I work with guys. Hang out with guys. Understand guys (always with the exception of the one I’m dating). And most of all, am not at all intimidated by guys.
Girls. Women. Mothers. Oh yeah, panic. Lots and lots of panic.
Grilled Chicken Lemon Alfredo
Sauce from Food Network Magazine March 2011 {Low Calorie}
Ingredients:
For the low-cal Alfredo sauce:
- 1 tbs unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbs grated lemon zest
- 2 teas all-purpose flour
- 1 cup low-fat (2%) milk
- 3/4 teas kosher salt
- 2 tbs Neufchatal or low-fat cream cheese
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 3 tbs chopped fresh parsley
- 12 ounces Trader Joe’s Lemon pasta, or fresh fettuccine
For the chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbs olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt & pepper
Preparation:
For the chicken: Pat chicken dry. Season with salt and pepper. In a large resealable bag, marinate chicken in olive oil, garlic and lemon juice for 4 to 18 hours.
Preheat a grill to high. Clean grate.
Make the sauce: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and lemon zest and cook until the garlic is slightly soft, about 1 minute. Add in the flour and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, 1 minute. Whisk in the milk and salt and cook, whisking constantly, until just thickened, about 3 minutes. Add the Neufchatel and parmesan cheese; whisk until melted, about 1 minute. Stir in the chopped parsley.
Back at the grill: Turn heat down to medium, and place chicken on the grate. Cook, covered about 7 minutes. Flip and cook an additional 5. Check to make sure your chicken is cooked through
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lemon pasta and cook until al dente, according to manufacturers instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and return to the pot.
Add the sauce and 1/2 cup the reserved cooking water to the pasta and gently toss to combine, adding more cooking water as needed to loosen. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve with fresh steamed broccoli and top with additional parmesan cheese and crushed white cheddar Cheez-it’s.
Now, say a serenity prayer for me and help me get through this next weekend 
My name is Kita. I am a 20 something girl geek and website/graphic designer who can rock an apron like there is no tomorrow.
I’ll say a serenity prayer for you while I’m reinventing this in my kitchen. chomp! Good luck
You’ll do a great job!
“always with the exception of the one I’m dating” you’re too funny, Kita! I know you’ll do great
I’m in love with those perfect grill marks! And the pasta looks so perfect – love really broad noodles.
Sounds absolutely wonderful altogether.
I love alfredo sauce, and the lemon flavoring in the chicken sounds like just the right kick for this!
I die for alfredo sauce! This is amazing Kita!
You can keep the pink and feathers. I’ll take the grilled chicken please.
Wow that pasta alone looks amazing. Why oh why do I not have a Trader Joes in Memphis!?
I don’t mind pink but feathers hmm. I immediately think of boas and that leads me to odd bachelorette parties and yeah just not me. But this chicken – that’s so me!
Omg, I need a TJ’s so I can get lemon pasta! I’ve never been a fan of alfredo sauce but this looks too good to resist.
That looks simply amazing! I love the broccoli in it! I am such a broccoli freak so when I saw that…I fell in love. Lemon is also such a great addition!
First of all, I love that plate, is it from World Market? Second, this is amazing. I love chicken alfredo and lemon completely kicks it up a notch. Sounds a-ma-zing!
What a perfect meal…in the middle of all that planning. I too would want to attend any party you throw!
I have NO doubt the shower will be wonderful. …as wonderful as this dish? WOW! That looks incredible!
Chicken is perfectly grilled and your lemon alfredo is beautifully done! Looking at this meal, I know you will do a great job hosting a bridal shower! I’m sending you my best luck to you. Please share some pictures with us?
You fully understand me. I am convinced of that. Well [clears throat] if we did live closer I would be the perfect assistant. I am good at planning, but horrible at decorating and party planning. Food is one thing, putting it into a party form is completely another. I am perfect for being assigned tasks and completing them on behalf of someone else.
I think most girls like those things but I am out of the loop…
How are you holding up?
I want to try that lemon pasta. Your chicken looks so beautiful. You’re going to pull this off so well that people will ask,”How much do you charge to throw showers??”
White CHeddar Cheez-its are the best! I’ve never tried Trader Joe’s lemon pasta before. Sounds good!
This is on my menu for a quick tasty dinner this week. I know with you in charge the bridal shower will be wonderful, and the food will be mouthwatering.
What a fantastic and comforting dish!
I made this for family last year and everyone loved it. It was when I first started experimenting with lemon in recipes.
Thank you for sharing such a great recipe!
http://fantasticalsharingofrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/01/grilled-chicken-lemon-alfredo.html