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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta for Two

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Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 540
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning divided
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup light cream or half-and-half
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
  2. Season the sliced chicken with half of the Cajun seasoning.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add the garlic and remaining Cajun seasoning, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.
  6. Stir in the cream and parmesan, simmering until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes.
  7. Add the spinach and stir until wilted.
  8. Return the chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta, tossing to coat everything in sauce.
  9. Season with salt and pepper, divide between two plates, and serve hot.

Notes

Buy chicken breasts in a family pack and freeze the extra portions individually — this keeps the per-meal protein cost low for future Two Plates, One Budget dinners.