As I mentioned the other day, The Hubs and I have found a new local restaurant that we have enjoyed several times over the past couple weeks… The Big Easy. It is located on Historic Route 66 in Yukon, Oklahoma. I had this the other night…

I loved it so much that I thought I would attempt to create a version of it with pasta…

Ingredients (with Wal-Mart prices):
2 large cans cubed chicken, drained thoroughly ($2.38 each//$5.18)
1 tbsp butter (already had on hand)
Sprinkle of McCormick Perfect Pinch Cajun Seasoning ($2.72 for a 3.18 oz. jar//$0.85 roughly)
8 oz. cream cheese, cubed to melt faster ($1.98)
1 can cream of mushroom soup ($1.35)
½ small onion, diced ($1.48)
Green Pepper, diced ($0.88)
Red Pepper, diced ($1.78) (why are red peppers more expensive than green peppers?)
Penne Pasta ($1.28)

Directions:
1. In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and peppers and cook for a few minutes until softened
2. Add cream cheese and stir until melted
3. Stir in cream of mushroom soup
4. Add drained chicken and stir until heated. Sprinkle some Cajun spices over the chicken and vegetables
5. Cook pasta according to package directions
6. Combine chicken and vegetables with the cooked pasta

I love anything with cream cheese… I am reluctant to admit this, but I enjoy eating cream cheese on a spoon straight from the package. Please don’t tell my mother, she would kill me! The Kid loves Cajun Chicken Pasta from Chili’s and he thinks this tastes almost exactly like it. Try it and let me know what you think!

Total cost to make this meal (without sales tax): $14.78
This meal makes 6 servings. Cost per serving: $2.46