Blackened Shrimp Penne

• In a large bowl, combine a large drizzle of olive oil, Blackening Spice, and a few big pinches of salt. • Pat chicken* dry with paper towels; add to bowl and turn to coat.

Rinse shrimp* under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels. Swap in shrimp for chicken.

• Once water is boiling, add penne to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, 9-11 minutes. • Reserve 1⁄2 cup pasta cooking water (1 cup for 4 servings), then drain and set aside.

• While pasta cooks, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium- high heat. Add green pepper and a pinch of salt. Cook, without stirring, until lightly charred, 3-4 minutes. • Add chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, 4-6 minutes. • Stir in scallion whites and garlic. Cook until fragrant, 1 minute. • Stir in half the tomato and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to medium low.

Add shrimp to pan and cook as instructed.

• Stir in cream cheese and 1/3 cup reserved pasta cooking water (2/3 cup for 4 servings). • Add drained penne and cook, stirring, until thoroughly combined, 1-2 minutes. Turn off heat. • Add Monterey Jack, stock concentrate, 2 TBSP butter (3 TBSP for 4), and as much hot sauce as you like; stir until butter melts. Season with salt and pepper. TIP: If needed, stir in more reserved cooking water a splash at a time until pasta is coated in a creamy sauce.