Tasty Thursday Treats

OK...so two weeks ago we said we were going to try a new recipe every week and post about it on Fridays.  Last week was a little crazy, and that didn't happen.  But, we really do mean it!  So, we started this week and vow to continue.

This week's new meal was Cajun Chicken Pasta.  We give it 3.5 out of 5 stars.  With a few easy changes, it could easily be a yummy 4.5.

Recipe:

3/4 pound of Rotini pasta (or similar noodle)
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced in 1/2 inch chunks)
3 garlic cloves
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 heaping Tbsp. cajun seasoning (i.e., Tony Chachere, Slap Yo Mama)
2 red bell peppers, julienned
8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 Tbsp. butter
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

-Boil pasta according to instructions, drain, and set aside.
-Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat.
-Add chicken.  Cook, stirring frequently, until browned. (about 6-8 minutes)
-Add garlic, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.  Stir to mix.
-Add bell peppers and mushrooms.  Stir to combine. Cover and cook 5 minutes.
-Uncover, stir in heavy cream and let simmer another 2 minutes.
-Stir in parmesan cheese.
-Remove sauce from heat, stir into cooked pasta, and serve immediately.

Things we'd change for next time:

-Leave out black pepper, and reduce cayenne pepper to 1/4 tsp.
-Instead of using 2 red bell peppers, use 1 green and 1 red.
-Add 1/2 white onion.
-Saute veggies separately to get more charring and have them cooked a litte more.
-With the chicken, add shrimp or andouille sausage (if using the sauage, would cut back even a little more on the spices.)

All in all, a yummy meal.  Would definitely try it again with some tweaks.