INGREDIENTS:
·      2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
·      2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
·      1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
·      8 ounces penne pasta
·      2 tablespoons unsalted butter
·      3 cloves garlic, minced
·      1 cup heavy cream, or more, to taste
·      1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
·      1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
·      Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
·      2 Roma tomatoes, diced
·      2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

 


































DIRECTIONS:

1. In a gallon size Ziploc bag, add chicken, 1 tablespoon olive oil and cajun seasoning, shaking to coat thoroughly.
2. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a grill pan over medium high heat. Add chicken and cook, flipping once, until cooked through, about 5-6 minutes on each side. Set aside and keep warm.

3. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well.

4. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

5. Gradually whisk in heavy cream and lemon zest. Cook, whisking constantly, until incorporated, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in Parmesan until slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add more heavy cream as needed; season with salt and pepper, to taste.

6. Stir in pasta and gently toss to combine.

7. Serve immediately with chicken, garnished with tomatoes and parsley, if desired.