CAJUN CHICKEN & PASTA

Cajun Chicken & Pasta image

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! -Dolly Kragel, Smithland, Iowa

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 45m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

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

Steps:

Toss chicken with Cajun seasoning; let stand 15 minutes. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain., In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat; saute chicken until no longer pink, 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan., In same pan, heat remaining butter over medium-high heat; saute peppers, mushrooms and green onions until peppers are crisp-tender, 6-8 minutes. Stir in cream and seasonings; bring to a boil. Cook and stir until slightly thickened, 4-6 minutes. Stir in pasta and chicken; heat through. Top with tomatoes and basil. Sprinkle with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 398 calories, Fat 21g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 97mg cholesterol, Sodium 357mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 22g protein.