Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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• 12 ounces penne pasta
  Ingredient note

  Source: 12 ounces penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
  Ingredient note

  Source: 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup diced white onion
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 cup diced white onion
• 1 each red bell pepper (seeded and diced)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 red bell pepper (seeded and diced)
• 4 each large cloves garlic (minced)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 4 large cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  Ingredient note

  Source: 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon paprika powder
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 teaspoon paprika powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper** (more or less depending on taste)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper** (more or less depending on taste)
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite size pieces)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite size pieces)
• 1 cup parmesan cheese (freshly shredded)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 cup parmesan cheese (freshly shredded)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
• 4 oz cream cheese (at room temperature)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 4 oz cream cheese (at room temperature)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1/4 cup chicken broth

1. Boil 6 cups of water in a large pot over high heat and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta, rinse with cold water and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, add the butter, olive oil and onion to a large pot over medium-high heat and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add the red bell pepper, garlic, Cajun seasoning, basil, paprika, ground black pepper, salt and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 3 more minutes or until the bell pepper starts to become soft.
4. Add the chicken and stir and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Add the parmesan, heavy cream, cream cheese and chicken broth and stir and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until the sauce starts to thicken and the cream cheese has fully melted.
6. Add the cooked and drained pasta and stir to coat pasta with sauce. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then serve with freshly chopped parsley on top, if desired.