Cajun Chicken and Linguine



1 pound linguine or fettuccine
2 teaspoons plus 1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound chicken tenders, each cut lengthwise in half
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 large onion, sliced
1 large green pepper, sliced
1 package (8 ounces) sliced mushrooms
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup heavy or whipping cream
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, sliced

1. Heat large covered saucepot of salted water to boiling over high heat. Add pasta; cook as label directs.
2. Meanwhile, in nonstick 12-inch skillet, heat 2 teaspoons oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken and Cajun seasoning and cook 3 to 5 minutes or until chicken just loses its pink color throughout, stirring frequently. Transfer chicken to plate.
3. In same skillet, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add onion and pepper and cook, covered, 8 to 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender and browned, stirring occasionally. Add mushrooms and salt and cook, covered, 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Drain linguine, reserving 1/2 cup cooking water. Return linguine to saucepot. Add cooking water and cream; heat to boiling over medium heat. Stir in onion mixture; heat through. Remove saucepot from heat; add tomato, basil, and chicken with its juices on plate, and toss to mix well.

Servings: 6