# List of Ingredients:
→ Pasta
01 - 10 oz whole wheat penne
→ Chicken
02 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz), sliced into strips
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
05 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon 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 - 5.3 oz reduced-fat cream cheese
14 - 1/2 cup low-fat milk
15 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
16 - Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
17 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
# How to Make It:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup of cooking liquid, then set pasta aside.
02 - Place chicken strips in a medium bowl. Combine Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, then toss with chicken until evenly coated.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and sauté for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
04 - In the same skillet, add sliced bell peppers and red onion. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Reduce heat to medium. Return chicken to the skillet. Add cream cheese and milk, stirring continuously until smooth and creamy. Add reserved pasta water if sauce becomes too thick.
06 - Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add cooked penne and toss thoroughly until all components are well coated.
07 - Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Divide among serving plates and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
