CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA

CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA 8 oz penne pasta cooked according to package instructions and drained 3 Tablespoons butter divided 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1" pieces 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning divided 1/2 teaspoon salt divided 1/2 teaspoon pepper divided 1/2 yellow onion diced 1 red pepper sliced 1 green pepper sliced 1 1/2 cups heavy cream 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon dried basil 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/3 cup fresh parmesan cheese Place 2 Tablespoons of butter in a large pan over medium-high heat until melted. Meanwhile, combine 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a Ziploc bag. Add chopped chicken, zip closed, and shake until chicken is coated. Transfer chicken to heated pan and cook until chicken is browned and just cooked through. Remove to a plate and set aside. Add remaining Tablespoon of butter to pan and allow it to melt. Add peppers and onion and cook until beginning to soften (about 3-5 minutes). Add heavy cream, smoked paprika, basil, garlic powder, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer, cooking until sauce is thickened. Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Return cooked chicken and add cooked pasta, stir well and serve.