🍗 Herb Garlic Chicken Bites with Creamy Cheesy Penne Pasta 🧀  
❤️ A family favorite dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table in no time!  

🍽️ Ingredients 🍽️  

For the Chicken:  
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces  
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme  
- 2 tablespoons olive oil  
- Salt and pepper to taste  
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder  
- 1 teaspoon dried basil  
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano  

For the Cheesy Penne Pasta:  
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese  
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese  
- 2 tablespoons butter  
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish  
- 8 oz penne pasta  
- 2 cups heavy cream  
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese  
- Salt and pepper to taste  

🧑‍🍳 Directions 🧑‍🍳  

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.  
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.  
3. Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, oregano, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat.  
4. In another skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously to avoid clumps.  
5. Gradually add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses to the cream sauce. Stir until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.  
6. Toss the cooked penne pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated evenly.  
7. Add the cooked chicken bites into the pasta and gently combine everything.  
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.  

🍎 Nutritional Information 🍎  

- Approximate per serving (serves 4):  
  - Calories: 630  
  - Protein: 45g  
  - Carbohydrates: 35g  
  - Fats: 36g  
  - Fiber: 2g  
  - Calcium: High  

💡 Tips and Tricks 💡  

- For a hint of spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes while seasoning the chicken.  
- Use freshly grated cheese for the sauce for a richer and creamier texture—pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce less smooth.  
- To lower the calorie count, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream option.  
- Add vegetables like steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach to boost nutrition and color!  

⏳ Preparation Time 🍰  

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4