Healthier Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Meat

  • 1 lb Chicken breasts, boneless skinless

• Produce

  • 1 Garlic clove, large
  • 1 Red bell pepper, medium
  • 1 Roma tomato, medium
  • 1 Scallion, large

• Pasta & Grains

  • 1/2 lb Linguini or penne

• Baking & Spices

  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch

• Oils & Vinegars

  • 3 tsp Olive oil

• Dairy

  • 1 cup Low-fat milk
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

• Liquids

  • 1/4 cup Water

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Directions

• Preparation Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Bring a large (4-quart) pot of water to a boil and add the salt, stirring to dissolve. Add the pasta and cook for about 10 minutes or al dente. Drain and reserve. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning. Carefully place the breasts in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until the chicken is deeply browned and crisp. Transfer the chicken to the baking sheet and into the oven to finish cooking through. Remove the chicken when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reaches 165 degrees F. Casey Barber Add the remaining teaspoon oil to the skillet and stir in the bell peppers. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers begin to soften, then stir in the garlic and cook for a minute more. Pour the milk into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Whisk the water and cornstarch together in a measuring cup, then pour into the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Turn the burner off and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted, then stir in the cooked pasta. To serve, divide the pasta between 4 bowls. Slice the chicken into bite-size pieces and divide evenly between the pasta dishes, then top each with handfuls of tomato and scallion. Serve immediately. Note: The pasta sauce will thicken as it cools. Reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, stirring in 1-2 tablespoons water as needed to help the sauce retain its consistency.