1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2x1/2-in. strips
3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
8 ounces uncooked penne pasta (about 2-1/3 cups)
2 tablespoons butter, divided
1 small sweet red pepper, diced
1 small green pepper, diced
1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
4 green onions, chopped
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Pepper to taste
Chopped plum tomatoes
Minced fresh basil
Shredded Parmesan cheese
1Toss chicken with Cajun seasoning; let stand 15 minutes. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
2In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat; saute chicken until no longer pink, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from pan.
3In same pan, heat remaining butter over medium-high; saute peppers, mushrooms and green onions until peppers are crisp-tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in cream and seasonings; bring to a boil. Cook and stir until slightly thickened, 4 to 6 minutes. Stir in pasta and chicken; heat through. Top with tomatoes and basil. Sprinkle with cheese.
This kicked-up pasta dish is a family favorite and my most requested recipe. It's easy to adapt, too. Swap in shrimp for the chicken, add your favorite veggies, adjust the spice level to your family's taste—you can't go wrong!
Total Time
Prep: 10 min. + standing Cook: 35 min.
Makes 6 servings
Nutrition Facts
1 serving: 398 calories, 21g fat (12g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.