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Cajun Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

Cajun seasoning:

  • 2 t. smoked paprika
  • 1 t. oregano
  • 1 t. thyme
  • 1/2 t. garlic powder
  • 1/2 t. onion powder
  • 1/4 t. cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 t. salt
  • 1/2 t. black pepper

Chicken and pasta:

  • 1 T. olive oil
  • 1 T. butter
  • 1 lb. chicken breast, in bite-sized pieces
  • 3 scallions, sliced
  • 1 lb. penne pasta, uncooked
  • 1 15 oz. can fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 3 oz. cream cheese, cubed

Instructions

  • Combine the ingredients for the Cajun seasoning in a small bowl. Cut the chicken into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes. Place the cubed chicken in a bowl, pour the Cajun seasoning over top, and stir to coat the chicken in spices.
  • Add the olive oil and butter to a wide pot with a lid. Heat the oil and butter over medium-high until the butter is melted and foamy. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for a couple minutes on each side, or just until the outside gets some color. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this point.
  • Add the scallions and continue to sauté for a minute more. Add the tomatoes and their juices, stirring to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  • Next, add the pasta and chicken broth. Stir just until everything is evenly combined, then place a lid on top and allow the broth to come up to a boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down to medium-low and let the pasta simmer for about ten minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the pasta is tender.
  • When the pasta is ready, turn the heat very low and add the cubed cream cheese, stirring as it melts into the sauce. Remove from the heat. Serves 4 generously.