Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta

As I am sure I have mentioned before, in the summertime I love grilling out. I also love to use fresh vegetables (especially those from my own garden!). One of our many favorite recipes that we make in the summer (and year round really) is Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta - which despite it's name isn't too spicy. My 6 year old will eat it. I think it is a knock off of a dish that they serve (or at least used to serve) at Friday's.

Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta
2 Tbsp Butter
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 white onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, pressed
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tsp olive oil
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 c chicken stock
salt
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp white pepper
1/4 tsp dried thyme
12 oz fettuccine (or any pasta really)
2 tsp fresh parsley

Melt 2 tbsp butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Saute the bell peppers, onions and garlic in butter for 8 to 10 minutes. Prepare another pan over medium heat with the olive oil. Add the chicken and cook, stirring for 5 to 7 minutes. Add chicken to your vegetables. Add the tomato, chicken stock, 1/4tsp salt, cayenne pepper, paprika, white pepper and thyme. Continue to simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken. In the meantime, prepare the pasta. Drain noodles, add 2 tbsp butter (optional) and toss. Serve, topped with the parsley.

Now for my modifications:

I used 1 tsp of corn starch added to 2 tbsp white wine (give or take) and use to thicken the sauce.

I prefer to grill my chicken. This week I grilled it the night before and used the Lawry's Tuscan Sun Dried Tomato marinade on the chicken (you can learn more here about the new Lawry's marinade flavors and enter to win some)

I also like to add additional peppers when I add the broth (crispier, fresher flavor) and my husband suggested that next time I make it I should add some fresh, diced tomatoes right at the end, again to enhance the fresh and pop factor.

In the summertime, using vegetables from my garden and grilling out works for me.