One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

• 340 g smooth penne pasta
• 450 g skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 4 pieces), cut into 2.5 cm pieces.
• 2 tbsp. l. olive oil
• 2.5 tsp. Cajun seasoning
• 2 medium green bell peppers, stemmed and seeded and cut into 0.5cm wide strips.
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 4 cups lightly salted chicken broth
• 1 can (400 g) of canned chopped tomatoes
• 170 g cream cheese, diced, at room temperature
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced, for serving

Preparation:

1. In a large, wide saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and Cajun seasoning and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken begins to change color and the spices are toasted, about 2 minutes. Add the bell pepper and onion and cook until they begin to release their juices, 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until softened, 1 minute.
2. Add the pasta, chicken broth, and tomatoes and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened and reduced by about half, about 15 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and add the cream cheese and 1.5 teaspoons of coarse salt. Stir until the cream cheese melts. Don't worry if the sauce looks runny; it will thicken as it cools. Sprinkle with green onions.