A delicious and creamy dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a garlic butter sauce, served over penne pasta with cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Continue stirring until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss everything together until well coated.
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
Substitute the penne pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.