Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Bow-tie pasta tossed with chicken, garlicky red peppers, fresh basil and extra creamy sauce makes an easy weeknight dinner—all in just 35 minutes! 2 cups uncooked bow-tie pasta

1-2 Tbs. extravirgin olive oil

1 red pepper, chopped

1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbs. allpurpose flour

2 cups halfand-half

1/2 tsp. dry Cajun or Creole seasoning, + more to taste

Salt and pepper

2 cups shredded or cubed cooked chicken

1-2 Tbs. minced fresh basil, + more to taste, or 1/2 tsp. dried basil

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese Bring large pot of water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup cooking water. Set pasta aside in large serving bowl.

While pasta is cooking, in large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add pepper and scallions; sauté 3- 5 minutes until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute. Transfer to separate bowl.

In small bowl, whisk together flour and 1/4 cup half-and-half until smooth. Pour mixture into pan; cook, stirring, 1-2 minutes or until it comes to a simmer. While stirring, slowly add remaining half-and- half and whisk until smooth. Simmer 3-5 minutes or until sauce begins to thicken slightly. Season with Cajun seasoning and salt and pepper to taste. Add chicken, vegetables and basil. Add more fresh basil, if desired. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta cooking water in small increments until desired consistency is reached. Pour sauce over pasta; stir until combined. Sprinkle with Parmesan. Serve immediately. Servings: 6. Cals.: 262. Protein: 13 g. Fat: 19 g. (8 g. saturated). Chol.: 53 mg. Carbs.: 17 g. Sodium: 281 mg. Fiber: 1 g. Sugar: 5 g. Kitchen time: 35 minutes. Total time: 35 minutes.