Healthier Cajun Chicken (or Chorizo, or Shrimp) Linguine

Today's recipe comes from Nancy Fox's Skinny Kitchen. We've made it twice since I first discovered it and it has earned a spot in our regular recipe rotation. It's incredibly easy to make and it turns out so delicious! It's a spin on a traditional alfredo, which generally isn't my favorite sauce, but this spicy version is just right. If you don't like spicy food as much as we do, use a little less of the Cajun seasoning. Here's what you need:

Ingredients

• 1 package (1 lb.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
• 6 oz. whole wheat linguine, cooked al dente
• 1 T plus 1 t Cajun spices (Mine is a Roundy's brand purchased from Pick N Save)
• 3 T reduced-fat butter 
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 3/4 C reduced-fat milk (I always use fat-free milk because that's what I have in the house)
• 1/4 C sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/4 t dried basil
• 1/4 t garlic powder
• 1/4 C grated Parmesan cheese
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Note: The first time I made this I used half the amount of chicken and subbed the other half with chorizo. YUM! I cooked the chicken first and then added the chorizo, then continued as usual. This time I made it with half shrimp and half chorizo. I tossed the shrimp in Cajun spices and cooked along with the chorizo. Both options were yummy, but obviously will change the nutrition of the dish.

Instructions

1. Place chicken and Cajun seasoning in a bowl and toss to coat.
2. Melt the butter in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and saute until it is tender, about 5-7 min.
3. Reduce heat and add the green onions, milk, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cook for a few minutes until heated through.
4. Toss in the cooked linguine and Parmesan cheese. Be sure to coat the pasta well.
5. Serve and watch the look of delight on everyone's faces as they enjoy this dish!

Nutritional facts (using chicken, according to skinnykitchen.com) for 1 serving (1/4 of the recipe):
391 calories, 9.8g fat, 37g protein, 37g carbs, 5g fiber, 597mg sodium, 4g sugar
WW old points: 8 WW Points Plus: 10

Seriously, if you like chorizo I recommend going balls to the walls and subbing some in. It will change your life. I served this alongside my favorite asparagus. I cook it on the stovetop with balsamic vinegar (I do this on the grill in the summer) and then add some shaved Parmesan to the top, which I let melt. YUM! Also, sorry for the poor photo quality--my camera has grown legs and walked off so I am suffering with my cell-phone camera. Let me know if you try this out and if you make any substitutions. Happy cooking!

-M.