Cajun Chicken Pasta

Cajun Chicken Pasta

Yield : 4 servings
Prep Time : 10 minutes
Cook Time : 20 minutes
Total Time : 30 minutes

Ingredients:

•     2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
•     2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
•     1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
•     8 ounces penne pasta
•     2 tablespoons unsalted butter
•     3 cloves garlic, minced
•     1 cup heavy cream, or more, to taste
•     1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
•     1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
•     Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
•     2 Roma tomatoes, diced
•     2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions:

1. In a gallon size Ziploc bag, add chicken, 1 tablespoon olive oil and cajun seasoning, shaking to coat thoroughly.
2. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a grill pan over medium high heat. Add chicken and cook, flipping once, until cooked through, about 5-6 minutes on each side. Set aside and keep warm.
3.  In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well.
4.  Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Gradually whisk in heavy cream and lemon zest. Cook, whisking constantly, until incorporated, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in Parmesan until slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add more heavy cream as needed; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
6. Stir in pasta and gently toss to combine.
7. Serve immediately with chicken, garnished with tomatoes and parsley, if desired.