High Protein Cajun Pasta

Steps

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1. 1
   Weigh 80g of dry pasta onto a pot scale, add water up to halfway, and add a strong pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cook for 1 minute less than package directions (typically 9 minutes instead of 10) until almost al dente.
   ▶ ≈0:15
2. 2
   While pasta cooks, dice the onion. For the bell pepper, cut it in half, remove the stem and seeds, slice into thin planks, then stack and cut into small pieces.
   ▶ ≈1:03
3. 3
   Cut the 180g chicken breast into approximately 1cm (half-inch) thick slices; halve any larger pieces for more even cooking.
   ▶ ≈1:27
4. 4
   Place chicken in a bowl, add 4g of oil, and stir thoroughly. Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning and mix until evenly coated.
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5. 5
   Add the seasoned chicken to a pan over medium heat, spreading it evenly. Sear for 90 seconds per side until browned, then remove from the pan.
   ▶ ≈2:20
6. 6
   Add another 4g of oil to the pan, then add the diced vegetables. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until caramelized and golden brown spots appear.
   ▶ ≈2:39
7. 7
   When pasta is ready, scoop out approximately 250ml (8 fl oz) of pasta water before draining.
   ▶ ≈3:04
8. 8
   Pour the reserved pasta water and drained pasta into the pan, cover with a lid, and let cook for 1 more minute to finish and infuse flavor.
   ▶ ≈3:12
9. 9
   Once pasta is cooked through, return the chicken to the pan and stir everything together.
   ▶ ≈3:25
10. 10
    Turn off heat, add the light cream cheese and shredded mozzarella, and stir with a spatula for about 60 seconds until fully incorporated and the sauce becomes silky and creamy.
    ▶ ≈3:31
11. 11
    Serve in a bowl, optionally grated with 5g of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
    ▶ ≈4:04