# What you'll need:
→ Proteins
01 - 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (14 oz), cut into bite-sized strips
→ Pasta
02 - 9 oz whole-wheat penne or rigatoni
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
04 - 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
05 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 3.5 oz baby spinach
→ Sauce & Dairy
08 - ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
09 - ½ cup plain 0% Greek yogurt
10 - ¼ cup light cream cheese, softened
11 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
→ Spices & Seasonings
12 - 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
13 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
14 - ½ tsp dried thyme
15 - ½ tsp salt
16 - ¼ tsp black pepper
17 - Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
→ Oils
18 - 1 tbsp olive oil
# Directions:
01 - Cook the whole-wheat pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain and set aside.
02 - Combine chicken strips with ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper, tossing to coat evenly.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
04 - In the same skillet, add sliced bell peppers and red onion. Cook over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
05 - Stir in remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper if using. Pour in chicken broth, scraping the skillet to release browned bits. Reduce heat to medium-low.
06 - Whisk in the cream cheese until smooth. Add Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese, stirring until a creamy sauce forms. Adjust consistency by gradually adding reserved pasta water if needed.
07 - Return the cooked chicken and add baby spinach to the skillet. Cook until spinach wilts, approximately 1 to 2 minutes.
08 - Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat thoroughly in the sauce. Warm through for 1 to 2 minutes.
09 - Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley.
