One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 1/2 Tbsp cajun seasoning
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into strips, about 2-inches long
• 1 medium yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips, about 2-inches long
• 1 small (5 - 6 oz) red onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (2 tsp)
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 3/4 cup heavy cream, divided
• 12 oz. penne pasta(recommend Barilla for consistency)
• 2 tsp cornstarch, mixed with 1 Tbsp water
• 3/4 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
• 3 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Toss chicken with 1/2 Tbsp cajun seasoning. Add to pot in a single layer.
3. Cook until browned on bottom, about 3 minutes then turn and continue to cook through, about 3 minutes longer. Transfer to a sheet of foil and wrap to keep warm.
4. Heat remaining 1/2 Tbsp olive oil in same pot over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers and onion and saute 3 minutes. Add garlic and remaining 1 Tbsp cajun seasoning and saute 1 minute longer.
5. Pour in chicken broth, tomatoes, and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Bring mixture to a boil, then add pasta.
6. Cook, stirring frequently until pasta is nearly tender, about 12 - 13 minutes. Add cornstarch and water mixture and cook until pasta is just tender and sauce mixture has thickened, about 1 minute longer.
7. Remove from heat. Toss in remaining 1/4 cup cream, parmesan, parsley and cooked chicken, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.