# What You’ll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 10 oz whole wheat penne
→ Chicken
02 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (14 oz), sliced into strips
03 - 1 tbsp olive oil
04 - 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
05 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Vegetables
09 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
10 - 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
11 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
12 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce
13 - 2/3 cup reduced-fat cream cheese
14 - 1/2 cup low-fat milk
15 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
16 - Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
17 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Boil penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water, and set aside.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken strips for 4 to 5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, add bell peppers and red onion. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
05 - Reduce heat to medium. Return chicken to the skillet and stir in cream cheese and milk until smooth. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
06 - Mix in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and juice. Toss in cooked penne until evenly coated.
07 - Adjust seasoning to taste and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
