Creamy Kickin’ Chicken:
pasta of choice (I like farfalle or penne for this one)
2 tbsp. butter
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 cup white onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, seeded & diced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tsp. Cajun seasoning
1 ½ tsp. dried basil, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, black pepper & salt
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper (more or less depending on preference!)
chicken breast or tenders, cubed
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup chicken broth
¼ cup spinach, chopped (fresh or frozen)
Add butter & onion to a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat & cook for ~4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Add the red bell pepper, cook ~1 minute to incorporate, then add in minced garlic, 1 tbsp. Cajun seasoning, & ½ tbsp. of basil, smoked paprika, ground black pepper, salt & cayenne pepper. Stir to combine & cook for ~3 more minutes or until the bell pepper starts to become soft. Remove veggies & set aside.
Add chicken to pan & season with ½ tbsp. each seasoning. Stir & cook for 6-8 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, adding in spinach at the last few minutes to wilt or melt. While chicken is cooking, boil 6 cups of water in a large pot over high heat, salt pasta water & cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain the pasta & set aside.
Once chicken is cooked through, remove the mixture from the pan, & deglaze with chicken broth. Add in heavy cream, cream cheese, & remainder of seasonings + red pepper flakes. Let cook ~6-8 minutes, stirring often until cream cheese incorporates. Add in parmesan & cook another 2-3 minutes until sauce starts to thicken & everything is melted together.
Add the veggie mixture & spinach chicken to the sauce & stir to combine. Add in reserved pasta water, stir, then add in the cooked and drained pasta, & coat pasta with sauce.
Cook for 2-3 minutes to heat & combine, then serve with another sprinkle of parmesan, or even freshly chopped parsley on top if desired & enjoy!
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