Fettuccine Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Chicken

Oh, boy. It is starting to heat up in New England and my dear boyfriend has been working hard outside. In order to surprise him for being such a good worker, I thought I would make him one of his favorite dishes, Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken! However, in my attempt to make it a smidgen more healthy, I didn't use any cream, and I added some flavorful sun dried tomatoes. This is the type of meal that is a definite treat. It is incredibly decadent, creamy, and perfect for an "every once in while" occasion. 

Ingredients:
3 Chicken breasts, trimmed of all the fat
1 lb. fettuccine or fettuccine fini pasta 
1 T olive oil
4 T butter, divided
2 T flour
3 1/4 C. whole milk
1/4 C. grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 C. sun dried tomatoes (any variety EXCEPT smoked) cut into small strips   
3/4 C. Mascarpone cheese
Salt, Pepper, Garlic powder, hot pepper flakes

Instructions:
1) Cook a package of fettuccine pasta to al dente, according to box directions. Next, in a large, heavy bottomed skillet, add olive oil and 1T. of the butter on medium/low heat. 
2) Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place in skillet and brown on both sides. Approximately 3 minutes per side, or until they look like this:

 3) Place the browned chicken on a plate and cover with foil. Drain any remaining oil in pan, then return pan to heat. 
4) Add remaining butter to pan and stir until it melts, then add the flour and stir for about 1 minutes. 
5) Add milk to pan, and scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen up all the leftover flavor from the chicken. 
6) Add at least 1/2 t. of salt, pepper, and garlic powder while the sauce slightly thickens. Taste the sauce as it cooks, if it tastes bland, it's because it needs more salt. Add a pinch of hot pepper flakes for heat. Cook sauce for about 5 minutes. 
7) Stir Parmesan cheese and sun dried tomatoes into the sauce.Add Mascarpone cheese, and stir until dissolved. Check one more time for seasoning. Slice up chicken breasts and stir into the sauce for 1-2 more minutes until  cooked through. 
8) Add pasta into the sauce, and continue to cook on medium-low heat until pasta is coated in sauce, and the sauce is desired thickness. 

Enjoy! Serves at least 5 hungry people!