# What You 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 - 1/2 lemon, zest and juice
17 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
# How-To Steps:
01 - Cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water, and set aside.
02 - In a medium bowl, toss chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and sauté 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, add bell peppers and red onion. Sauté 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 1 additional minute until fragrant.
05 - Reduce heat to medium. Return chicken to skillet. Add cream cheese and milk, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy. Add reserved pasta water if sauce becomes too thick.
06 - Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and juice. Add cooked penne and toss until thoroughly combined. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
07 - Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.
