Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and sauté until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Whisk continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the cheese sauce, and toss to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle in the dried oregano and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
For best results, cook the pasta al dente to help thicken the sauce. Sautéing the chicken adds depth of flavor to the dish. Whisking the cheese into the warm cream prevents curdling. Tossing the pasta and chicken into the sauce allows the starch to further emulsify the sauce for a creamy, velvety texture.
