Chicken Penne Alfredo

I came up with this recipe last night. I do have to credit "Colorboyswife" Creamy Alfredo Sauce for the wonderful sauce. This would also be easy to make for a crowd. It looks pretty and tastes divine!

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 lb  penne rigate, uncooked
• 3  chicken breast halves, cut into bite size chunks
• 2  medium red bell peppers, sliced into strips
• 1  small onion, sliced into strips
• 1  teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (5 ounce) can  sliced mushrooms, drained
• 10  black olives, sliced
• 3⁄4 cup fresh basil leaf, coarsely chopped
• 3  tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1⁄2 cup pine nuts
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped fresh parsley or 1  tablespoon dried parsley

• For the Sauce

• 1  cup heavy cream
• 1⁄2 cup butter or 1⁄2 cup margarine
• 1⁄2-3⁄4 cup parmesan cheese
• 2  tablespoons cream cheese
• 1  teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, make sauce.
3. Melt butter, heavy cream and cream cheese.
4. Add parmesan cheese and garlic powder.
5. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes over low heat.
6. Heat 1 tbs olive oil and toast pine nuts until golden brown. Drain on paper towel and set aside.
7. Add remaining oil to the pan and sauté onions for 2 minutes.
8. Add red peppers and pepper flakes and sauté until onions are translucent.
9. Add chicken pieces. Sauté until chicken is cooked through.
10. Add mushrooms, olives, basil and parsley.
11. Stir in sauce and pine nuts.
12. Drain pasta, and stir into mixture.
13. Let simmer for a few minutes.
14. Serve and enjoy!