Creamy Penne with Apples, Cranberries and Cheddar

In my search or recipes with apples, I came across this Canadian Living recipe and simply had to try it. The results were incredible and I will be making this again.

Ingredients:

1 Tb. butter, divided

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken, cut into strips

4 green onions, sliced

2 tart cooking apples, thinly sliced

pinch ground nutmeg (optional)

salt and pepper

2 Tb. cider vinegar

1 1/2 cups whipping cream (I used 1 cup whipping cream, 1/2 cup light cream)

1/2 cup dried cranberries

12 oz. penne or other short pasta

1 cup shredded canadian old cheddar cheese

In a large skillet, melt 1/2 the butter over medium high heat;

brown chicken strips

While the chicken is cooking, you can prep the apples and green onions, adding 1/4 tsp. pepper and 3/4 tsp. salt

Once chicken is browned on all sides, place in bowl

Add remaining butter to skillet. Add green onions, apples, nutmeg (opt.), 3/4 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. pepper; cook, stirring, or about 3 minutes or until tender.

Add vinegar, scraping any bits stuck to pan

Stir in cream and cranberries; bring to boil.

Meanwhile, in a large pot with boiling salted water, cook pasta or about 10 minutes or until tender. Drain and return to pot.

Reduce heat and boil gently, stirring, until thickened, about 3 minutes

Add chicken and any accumulated juices to sauce; simmer. Pour over cooked pasta and sprinkle with cheese; toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Serve sprinkled with chives.