linguine with chicken and broccoli in lemon cream sauce

this is a definite comfort food. l've been feeling a little on the not-so-well-happy-fun-time-mommy downlow lately so i needed something easy and soothing! nothing says comfort like pasta and a thick cheesey, lemony cream sauce.
littlefoodie smalls and i recently had our foodtv addiction yanked from under us...(bigfoodie daddy axed the cable since we only watch late afternoon food channel and pbs..i know he's right but still....) anyway, a few weeks ago i saw someone on there making fettuccini alfredo. i guess that's where the lemony inspiration came from cause it sounded so dang good.
no pictures of it though as we chowed down on it way too fast, so here's a picture of littlefoodie booty stylin!

enjoy!



linguine with chicken and broccoli in lemon cream sauce

1 package dried fresh linguine noodles (i used spinach and chive flavored from tj's)
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 head of broccoli, chopped
half onion, small diced
1 tbl minced garlic
2 cups half and half, room temp
juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp lemon zest, minced
5 tbl unsalted butter
1 cup finely grated parmesan
1 cup finely shredded mozzarella
pinch of nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste

cook the pasta until al dente..check out the package for cooking instructions. toss with a little olive oil and keep warm.

season chicken breasts and grill until done. cool, then slice. set aside.

steam broccoli until tender.

saute onion and garlic in a heavy bottomed pot (dutch oven) on med high heat until softened.

mix half and half with lemon juice. whisk a bit with a knife to combine.

turn heat down to low and pour in half and half and lemon juice. add the butter and melt. remove from heat. add lemon zest.

add the cheeses and broccoli and pasta. toss together. season to taste.

warm up if needed. plate and top with sliced chicken.