Spicy Chicken in a Creamy Tomato Sauce

While digging through the pantry I threw this together and thus a new favorite dish was born. This can stretch a few ingredients to feed the family. Try and you will agree this is a dish you will feel good about serving to friends as well. Blackened Chicken Penne has a ingredient list for making your own blackeining seasonings if you wish

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1  lb boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced in thin medallions (or dice small to stretch further)
• 2  tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 1  tablespoon  blackening seasoning (I prefer Paul Prudhomme redfish magic)
• 4  ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced thin
• 2  garlic cloves, sliced thin
• 1 (14 1/2ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  blackening seasoning
• 1  pinch red pepper flakes
• 1  teaspoon dried basil (or fresh if you prefer)
• 2⁄3 cup heavy cream
• 2  green onions, chopped
• 1⁄3 cup  grated parmesan cheese
• 1⁄3 cup fresh spinach (leaves cut in half)
• 3  cups  mini penne pasta, cooked

Directions

1. season chicken well with blackening seasoning.
2. in heavy skillet heat to med- high. add 1 T of butter and 1 T olive oil.
3. cook chicken until just done about 6-8 minutes and remove to a plate.
4. add mushrooms to skillet and 1 T butter.
5. cook mushrooms until they start to brown, add garlic and cook no more than 2 minutes being careful not to scorch the garlic.
6. add tomatoes, basil, blackening season and red pepper flakes.
7. let cook for 5-6 minutes until most of the tomato liquid is gone.
8. add cream and turn down the heat to medium and let cook for 5-6 minutes. taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
9. sprinkle parmesan over and stir until well combined, add green onions.
10. return chicken to mixture and let cook 5 more minutes.
11. add pasta and spinach and stir to coat cook 2 minutes or until pasta is heated through.
12. serve.