Margherita Chicken

Prepare Your Ingredients
Wash and dry your produce.
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil, and preheat your oven to a hi-broil.
Foil-line and grease a baking pan.
Trim ends of green beans if needed.
Halve the grape tomatoes, and thinly slice the basil to make about ¼ cup.
Place the basil and tomatoes in a small bowl and toss with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Mince 2 cloves of garlic.

Make the Penne Pasta
Add the penne to the boiling water.
Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 mins.
Drain pasta and set aside in a separate bowl, or leave in the colander.

Prep and Cook the Chicken
Place chicken in the large zip lock bag and flatten to about ½”, using a meat mallet, wine bottle, or rolling pin.
Remove from bag, Season both sides lightly with salt, pepper, and the spice mix, then rub with a little olive oil.
Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil, in a large pan, over medium-high heat.
When hot, add the chicken and sear 1-2 minutes per side, then transfer to the baking pan.
Top each chicken breast with the mozzarella and set aside.

Saute the Green Beans
In the same pan you cooked the chicken, heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil, over medium-high heat.
When hot, add the green beans and season with salt and pepper.
Saute tossing frequently, 3-4 minutes or until crisp-tender and starting to brown.
Add ½ the garlic during the last 30 seconds.
Remove from pan, set aside, and tent with foil.

Finish the Chicken and the Pasta
Place the chicken in the oven, and broil until cheese is melted; 1-2 minutes.
In the same pot you cooked the pasta, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the remaining garlic, and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute.
Add the cream, and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes.
Season with a little salt, remove pan from heat, and stir in ½ the parmesan cheese.
Add penne to the sauce, toss to coat and then stir in the remaining parmesan.

Plating
Divide the pasta and green beans between your dishes.
Place a chicken breast over the pasta and top with the tomato-basil mixture, and some freshly ground pepper.
Enjoy!