serving 4:
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (about 225g) penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Season the chicken breast strips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow the broth to simmer for a couple of minutes.
7. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream and pesto sauce. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
8. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce, along with the cooked Cajun chicken strips. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
9. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and gently toss to combine until the cheese is melted and incorporated into the sauce.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt and pepper if desired.
11. Serve the Cajun Chicken Pesto Pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying dish with your family and friends!
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