Blackened Chicken Strips with Cajun Sauce

1 1/2 tbsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 6 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp minced onion
1 clove garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth (low sodium, no fat)
1 whole tomato, seeded and minced
1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (choose from oregano, basil, tarragon, or marjoram)
1/4 tsp salt
8 oz penne pasta

1. To make Cajun Spice: Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Set aside.

2. Place chicken breasts between two pieces of wax paper and pound with a meat mallet to flatten. Moisten breasts with water and rub with Cajun spice (reserve 1/4 teaspoon of the spice for the sauce).

3. Spray a very hot cast-iron pan with vegetable cooking spray. Fry breasts for 4 to 6 minutes, or until done. Remove from pan and slice into thin strips; set aside.

4. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions; drain.

5. Sauté onion and garlic in a small saucepan sprayed with vegetable spray until onion is soft. Add broth, tomato, fresh herbs and reserved Cajun spice. Simmer for 8 minutes. Season with salt to taste.

6. Arrange pasta on a platter. Lay chicken on pasta and drizzle with sauce.



Number of Servings: 4

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user KELLIEJOJO.