1-First Step: Prepare the Ingredients Begin by gathering and prepping all your ingredients to make cooking smoother. Slice 2 large chicken breasts into 4 cutlets and season them with 1.5 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. At the same time, bring a pot of salted water to a boil for the 8 ounces of penne pasta, which should cook just under al dente about 1 minute less than the package says so it finishes perfectly in the sauce later.

2-Second Step: Cook the Pasta Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta and cook it until it’s almost done. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining; this liquid is key for adjusting the sauce’s creaminess. Don’t rinse the pasta, as that helps the sauce stick better, keeping your Grilled Chicken Alfredo Pasta cohesive and flavorful.

3-Third Step: Grill the Chicken Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat or fire up your outdoor grill. Place the seasoned chicken cutlets on the grill and cook for 4 minutes without moving them for a good sear. Flip the chicken, add 1 tablespoon butter to the pan, and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let it cool slightly, then slice into thin strips for easy topping on your Grilled Chicken Alfredo Pasta.

4-Fourth Step: Make the Alfredo Sauce In a deep saucepan, melt 3/4 cup butter over medium heat and stir in 3 to 4 minced garlic cloves for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Slowly pour in 2 cups heavy cream while stirring, then let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until it thickens and reduces by half. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, adapting as needed for dietary preferences like using less salt for low-sodium options.

5-Fifth Step: Combine the Sauce and Pasta Add 1.5 cups freshly shredded or grated parmesan cheese to the sauce one handful at a time, stirring until it’s fully melted. Mix in 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water to achieve that perfect creamy texture. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add half the cooked pasta, and stir to coat it evenly, adding more pasta water if needed. Then, incorporate the rest of the pasta for a uniform mix in your Grilled Chicken Alfredo Pasta.

6-Final Step: Assemble and Serve Divide the saucy pasta into bowls and top with the sliced grilled chicken. Garnish with additional parmesan and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for a fresh finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture, as this Grilled Chicken Alfredo Pasta shines when hot. For those watching calories, consider adding veggies like broccoli for extra nutrition without changing the core recipe.