Cajun Chicken Alfredo (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Cajun Seasoning

01 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
02 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
03 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
04 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
05 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
06 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
07 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 2 teaspoons paprika

→ Main Ingredients

09 - Salt, to taste
10 - Black pepper, to taste
11 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 - 1 cup heavy cream
13 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
14 - 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
15 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
16 - 1 small onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
17 - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
18 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
19 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
20 - 10.5 ounces penne pasta

→ To Serve (Optional)

21 - Additional grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
22 - Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Give it a taste and see if you'd like more salt or black pepper. Scoop into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan if that's your thing.
02 - Add the cooked penne and chicken back into your skillet. Stir everything until the creamy sauce coats it all and toss in the grated Parmesan. Mix until nice and smooth.
03 - Turn down the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes while you stir now and then. It should get a little thick.
04 - Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for a minute until it smells great. Sprinkle in whatever Cajun spice is left and stir it up.
05 - In the same pan, throw in your chopped onion and both bell peppers. Give them about 3 or 4 minutes to get soft.
06 - Put butter and olive oil in a big skillet on medium-high. Slide in the chicken strips and sear until they're golden and cooked. Move the chicken onto a plate once done.
07 - Coat your sliced chicken with one and a half teaspoons of your Cajun spice blend.
08 - Boil a big pot of water, salt it well, and drop in the penne. Cook till it's just cooked through, drain it, and set it aside.
09 - Grab a small bowl and combine salt, black pepper, cayenne, thyme, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Give it a good mix, then keep it handy.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Want more smoky depth? Toast your Cajun seasoning in a dry skillet for a few minutes first.
02 - If you can, grate your Parmesan fresh so it melts smooth and tastes better.