TMTT: Copycat Chili's Cajun Pasta

Note:   Eating out is so expensive.    There are some dishes in restaurants I love so when I get the craving I just try to find a recipe that copies it really well.      This one copies the Cajun Pasta at Chili's.    Yummy!

Copycat Chili's Cajun Pasta

Ingredients
12 ounces penne
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups half and half
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
salt and pepper
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
 1 1/2 tablespoons cajun seasoning
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons vegetable oil|
2 firm-ripe roma tomatoes, cored and diced

Directions
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne according to package directions.  Melt butter over medium heat. Add flour; stir for 1 minute. Add half-and-half; stir until thickened, 6 minutes. Remove from heat; add parmesan, salt and pepper. Cover.  Pound chicken to 1/2-inch thickness. Rub Cajun seasoning and cayenne evenly over chicken. Warm oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook, turning once, until no longer pink in center, 6-8 minutes. Slice chicken.  In a bowl, toss pasta with sauce. Top with chicken and tomatoes and serve.


What better way to start the year than heading over to Lisa and Lana's for delicious recipes at Tempt My Tummy Tuesday?