1-Getting started with this grilled chicken Alfredo pasta is exciting because the steps are simple and lead to amazing results. First, boil a pot of water, add a generous amount of salt, and cook the 1/2 pound of penne pasta until one minute less than the package instructions for al dente. Remember to reserve one cup of pasta water and drain the pasta without rinsing to help the sauce stick better.

2-Next, in a small bowl, mix 1.5 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika. Then, slice the 2 chicken breasts horizontally into four cutlets and season them evenly with this spice mixture for that flavorful base.

3-Now, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a grill pan or grill over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 4 minutes on one side, flip it, add 1 tablespoon of butter, and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Let it cool before slicing into strips to lock in the juices.

4-In a deep saucepan, melt 3/4 cup of butter over medium heat, then add 3 to 4 minced garlic cloves and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Gradually add 2 cups of heavy cream, stirring continuously, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to bring out the flavors.

5-After that, add 1.5 cups of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese gradually, one handful at a time, stirring well after each addition. Incorporate a quarter cup of the reserved pasta water and stir to combine for a creamy texture. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add half of the cooked pasta to the sauce, mix it in, and add more pasta water as needed. Repeat with the remaining pasta for even coating.

6-Finally, serve the pasta in bowls topped with the sliced grilled chicken, and garnish with extra Parmesan and the 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley if desired. This dish takes just about 15 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, totaling 30 minutes, making it a quick favorite. For a similar twist, explore a hearty soup recipe that uses leftover proteins creatively.