Creamy One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Delightful Meal

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Here’s what you need for a creamy one-pot Cajun chicken Alfredo. Gather these simple ingredients to make a delightful meal: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Each item adds flavor and texture. The chicken gives protein, while Cajun seasoning brings a kick. Garlic adds fragrance, and heavy cream makes it rich. Chicken broth keeps it moist. Fettuccine pasta absorbs all that creamy goodness. Fresh Parmesan adds a salty finish, and cherry tomatoes add a pop of color. Finally, parsley brightens the dish. Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best taste. This meal is quick to prepare and perfect for any night. Cooking Chicken with Cajun Seasoning Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Take your chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper on the chicken. This blend gives the chicken a bold flavor. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the pot. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Removing Chicken from the Pot After the chicken is done, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pot. Set it aside on a plate. This step lets you keep the tasty juices in the pot for the next steps. Sautéing Garlic In the same pot, add minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not burnt. This step adds a nice base flavor to your sauce. Combining Chicken Broth and Heavy Cream Next, slowly pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to mix everything. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. This allows all the flavors to combine nicely. Adding Fettuccine to the Pot Now, it's time to add the fettuccine pasta. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot to trap the heat and moisture. Ensuring Proper Cooking Time Cook the pasta for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. The sauce should thicken during this time too. Mixing in Parmesan Cheese Once the pasta is cooked, stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Then, add the reserved cooked chicken back into the pot. Mix until the cheese melts and coats the chicken and pasta. Adding Cherry Tomatoes Lastly, gently fold in halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This warms the tomatoes and softens them just a bit. Now, your creamy one-pot Cajun chicken Alfredo is ready to serve! Adjusting Sauce Thickness To get the right creaminess, watch your sauce closely. If it seems too thin, let it simmer longer. This helps the sauce thicken as it cooks. You can also add more cheese to thicken it up. If it’s too thick, just add a splash of chicken broth or cream. This will help balance it out. Best Parmesan Cheese to Use Use fresh grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Pre-grated cheese often lacks taste. The fresh stuff melts well and gives a rich, creamy taste. Look for a brand that says "Parmigiano-Reggiano" on the label. This cheese has a nice nutty flavor that works great in this dish. Avoiding Overcooked Pasta Cook the fettuccine until it's al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite. Stir the pasta often while it cooks to stop it from sticking. If you overcook it, the pasta will become mushy. Keep an eye on the time and taste it a minute before the package says it’s done. Ideal Pot Selection Choose a large, heavy pot for this dish. A pot with a thick bottom helps heat evenly. This prevents burning and helps the sauce come together well. A Dutch oven works great if you have one. It holds heat well and makes stirring easy. Additional Seasoning Options You can boost the flavor by adding more spices. Try adding paprika for smokiness or cayenne for heat. If you like herbs, fresh thyme or basil can add a nice touch. Just sprinkle a little in while you cook. Taste as you go, so you find the right balance. Suggested Side Dishes Pair your Cajun chicken Alfredo with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A crisp salad adds a nice crunch. Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce. You can also serve it with roasted veggies for a colorful plate. This makes your meal even more delicious. {{image_4}} Using Shrimp or Sausage You can switch the chicken for shrimp or sausage. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice touch. Just sauté it until it turns pink. If you prefer sausage, choose spicy or mild. Slice it and cook it before adding to the sauce. Vegetarian Options For a veggie twist, use mushrooms or zucchini. Sauté them like you would the chicken. You can also add beans for protein. This makes the dish hearty and filling without meat. Different Cream Sauces Instead of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk. Both options will give a different flavor. If you want a lighter sauce, try a blend of broth and yogurt. This keeps it creamy while cutting calories. Using Low-Fat Ingredients You can swap in low-fat cream cheese for a rich texture. It adds creaminess without the fat of heavy cream. You can also use low-fat milk. Just be careful as it may not thicken as much. Other Pasta Shapes Fettuccine is great, but you can use penne or rotini. Each shape holds the sauce well. Try whole wheat pasta for more fiber, or even egg noodles for a twist. Gluten-Free Alternatives If you need gluten-free pasta, look for lentil or chickpea pasta. These options are tasty and high in protein. They cook a bit differently, so check the package for timing. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Place the creamy Cajun chicken Alfredo in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best quality, eat it within this time frame. Freezing this dish is easy. Use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place the pasta in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to help loosen the sauce. Stir often until it is heated through. Enjoy your meal just like the first time! To add heat, you can use several options: - Add more Cajun seasoning. - Include red pepper flakes. - Mix in diced jalapeños. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side. These options offer extra spice without losing flavor. Yes, you can prepare this meal ahead of time. - Cook the chicken and sauce, but leave out the pasta. - Store the sauce and cooked chicken in the fridge. - Cook the fettuccine fresh when you are ready to eat. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy. If you want a lighter version, try these alternatives: - Use half-and-half for a creamy taste with fewer calories. - Coconut milk can add a unique flavor. - Greek yogurt gives creaminess with added protein. These options will change the taste slightly, but they are great choices. In this blog post, I shared a delicious recipe using chicken, Cajun seasoning, and fettuccine. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, tips for creamy sauce, and meal variations. You now have options to make this dish spicy or lighter, and how to store leftovers. Cooking can be fun and easy when you know the basics. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!

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If you’re craving a flavorful, hearty meal that’s easy to make, you’re in luck! This Creamy One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a delightful combination of spices, creamy sauce, and tender chicken, all cooked in one pot. In just a few simple steps, you can whip up a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!

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Ingredients

Here’s what you need for a creamy one-pot Cajun chicken Alfredo. Gather these simple ingredients to make a delightful meal:

– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

– 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 cup chicken broth

– 8 oz fettuccine pasta

– 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Each item adds flavor and texture. The chicken gives protein, while Cajun seasoning brings a kick. Garlic adds fragrance, and heavy cream makes it rich. Chicken broth keeps it moist. Fettuccine pasta absorbs all that creamy goodness. Fresh Parmesan adds a salty finish, and cherry tomatoes add a pop of color. Finally, parsley brightens the dish.

Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best taste. This meal is quick to prepare and perfect for any night.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

Cooking Chicken with Cajun Seasoning

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Take your chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper on the chicken. This blend gives the chicken a bold flavor. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the pot. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.

Removing Chicken from the Pot

After the chicken is done, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pot. Set it aside on a plate. This step lets you keep the tasty juices in the pot for the next steps.

Making the Sauce

Sautéing Garlic

In the same pot, add minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not burnt. This step adds a nice base flavor to your sauce.

Combining Chicken Broth and Heavy Cream

Next, slowly pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to mix everything. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. This allows all the flavors to combine nicely.

Cooking the Pasta

Adding Fettuccine to the Pot

Now, it’s time to add the fettuccine pasta. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot to trap the heat and moisture.

Ensuring Proper Cooking Time

Cook the pasta for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. The sauce should thicken during this time too.

Final Steps

Mixing in Parmesan Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Then, add the reserved cooked chicken back into the pot. Mix until the cheese melts and coats the chicken and pasta.

Adding Cherry Tomatoes

Lastly, gently fold in halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This warms the tomatoes and softens them just a bit.

Now, your creamy one-pot Cajun chicken Alfredo is ready to serve!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Creaminess

Adjusting Sauce Thickness

To get the right creaminess, watch your sauce closely. If it seems too thin, let it simmer longer. This helps the sauce thicken as it cooks. You can also add more cheese to thicken it up. If it’s too thick, just add a splash of chicken broth or cream. This will help balance it out.

Best Parmesan Cheese to Use

Use fresh grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Pre-grated cheese often lacks taste. The fresh stuff melts well and gives a rich, creamy taste. Look for a brand that says “Parmigiano-Reggiano” on the label. This cheese has a nice nutty flavor that works great in this dish.

Cooking Techniques

Avoiding Overcooked Pasta

Cook the fettuccine until it’s al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite. Stir the pasta often while it cooks to stop it from sticking. If you overcook it, the pasta will become mushy. Keep an eye on the time and taste it a minute before the package says it’s done.

Ideal Pot Selection

Choose a large, heavy pot for this dish. A pot with a thick bottom helps heat evenly. This prevents burning and helps the sauce come together well. A Dutch oven works great if you have one. It holds heat well and makes stirring easy.

Enhancing Flavor

Additional Seasoning Options

You can boost the flavor by adding more spices. Try adding paprika for smokiness or cayenne for heat. If you like herbs, fresh thyme or basil can add a nice touch. Just sprinkle a little in while you cook. Taste as you go, so you find the right balance.

Suggested Side Dishes

Pair your Cajun chicken Alfredo with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A crisp salad adds a nice crunch. Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce. You can also serve it with roasted veggies for a colorful plate. This makes your meal even more delicious.

Variations

Protein Substitutions

Using Shrimp or Sausage

You can switch the chicken for shrimp or sausage. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice touch. Just sauté it until it turns pink. If you prefer sausage, choose spicy or mild. Slice it and cook it before adding to the sauce.

Vegetarian Options

For a veggie twist, use mushrooms or zucchini. Sauté them like you would the chicken. You can also add beans for protein. This makes the dish hearty and filling without meat.

Sauce Alternatives

Different Cream Sauces

Instead of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk. Both options will give a different flavor. If you want a lighter sauce, try a blend of broth and yogurt. This keeps it creamy while cutting calories.

Using Low-Fat Ingredients

You can swap in low-fat cream cheese for a rich texture. It adds creaminess without the fat of heavy cream. You can also use low-fat milk. Just be careful as it may not thicken as much.

Pasta Options

Other Pasta Shapes

Fettuccine is great, but you can use penne or rotini. Each shape holds the sauce well. Try whole wheat pasta for more fiber, or even egg noodles for a twist.

Gluten-Free Alternatives

If you need gluten-free pasta, look for lentil or chickpea pasta. These options are tasty and high in protein. They cook a bit differently, so check the package for timing.

Storage Info

Refrigeration

To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Place the creamy Cajun chicken Alfredo in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best quality, eat it within this time frame.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is easy. Use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight.

To reheat, place the pasta in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to help loosen the sauce. Stir often until it is heated through. Enjoy your meal just like the first time!

FAQs

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, you can use several options:

– Add more Cajun seasoning.

– Include red pepper flakes.

– Mix in diced jalapeños.

You can also serve with hot sauce on the side. These options offer extra spice without losing flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this meal ahead of time.

– Cook the chicken and sauce, but leave out the pasta.

– Store the sauce and cooked chicken in the fridge.

– Cook the fettuccine fresh when you are ready to eat.

This keeps the pasta from getting mushy.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter version, try these alternatives:

– Use half-and-half for a creamy taste with fewer calories.

– Coconut milk can add a unique flavor.

– Greek yogurt gives creaminess with added protein.

These options will change the taste slightly, but they are great choices.

In this blog post, I shared a delicious recipe using chicken, Cajun seasoning, and fettuccine. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, tips for creamy sauce, and meal variations. You now have options to make this dish spicy or lighter, and how to store leftovers. Cooking can be fun and easy when you know the basics. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!

Here’s what you need for a creamy one-pot Cajun chicken Alfredo. Gather these simple ingredients to make a delightful meal: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Each item adds flavor and texture. The chicken gives protein, while Cajun seasoning brings a kick. Garlic adds fragrance, and heavy cream makes it rich. Chicken broth keeps it moist. Fettuccine pasta absorbs all that creamy goodness. Fresh Parmesan adds a salty finish, and cherry tomatoes add a pop of color. Finally, parsley brightens the dish. Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best taste. This meal is quick to prepare and perfect for any night. Cooking Chicken with Cajun Seasoning Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Take your chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper on the chicken. This blend gives the chicken a bold flavor. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the pot. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Removing Chicken from the Pot After the chicken is done, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pot. Set it aside on a plate. This step lets you keep the tasty juices in the pot for the next steps. Sautéing Garlic In the same pot, add minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not burnt. This step adds a nice base flavor to your sauce. Combining Chicken Broth and Heavy Cream Next, slowly pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to mix everything. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. This allows all the flavors to combine nicely. Adding Fettuccine to the Pot Now, it's time to add the fettuccine pasta. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot to trap the heat and moisture. Ensuring Proper Cooking Time Cook the pasta for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. The sauce should thicken during this time too. Mixing in Parmesan Cheese Once the pasta is cooked, stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Then, add the reserved cooked chicken back into the pot. Mix until the cheese melts and coats the chicken and pasta. Adding Cherry Tomatoes Lastly, gently fold in halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This warms the tomatoes and softens them just a bit. Now, your creamy one-pot Cajun chicken Alfredo is ready to serve! Adjusting Sauce Thickness To get the right creaminess, watch your sauce closely. If it seems too thin, let it simmer longer. This helps the sauce thicken as it cooks. You can also add more cheese to thicken it up. If it’s too thick, just add a splash of chicken broth or cream. This will help balance it out. Best Parmesan Cheese to Use Use fresh grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Pre-grated cheese often lacks taste. The fresh stuff melts well and gives a rich, creamy taste. Look for a brand that says "Parmigiano-Reggiano" on the label. This cheese has a nice nutty flavor that works great in this dish. Avoiding Overcooked Pasta Cook the fettuccine until it's al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite. Stir the pasta often while it cooks to stop it from sticking. If you overcook it, the pasta will become mushy. Keep an eye on the time and taste it a minute before the package says it’s done. Ideal Pot Selection Choose a large, heavy pot for this dish. A pot with a thick bottom helps heat evenly. This prevents burning and helps the sauce come together well. A Dutch oven works great if you have one. It holds heat well and makes stirring easy. Additional Seasoning Options You can boost the flavor by adding more spices. Try adding paprika for smokiness or cayenne for heat. If you like herbs, fresh thyme or basil can add a nice touch. Just sprinkle a little in while you cook. Taste as you go, so you find the right balance. Suggested Side Dishes Pair your Cajun chicken Alfredo with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A crisp salad adds a nice crunch. Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce. You can also serve it with roasted veggies for a colorful plate. This makes your meal even more delicious. {{image_4}} Using Shrimp or Sausage You can switch the chicken for shrimp or sausage. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice touch. Just sauté it until it turns pink. If you prefer sausage, choose spicy or mild. Slice it and cook it before adding to the sauce. Vegetarian Options For a veggie twist, use mushrooms or zucchini. Sauté them like you would the chicken. You can also add beans for protein. This makes the dish hearty and filling without meat. Different Cream Sauces Instead of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk. Both options will give a different flavor. If you want a lighter sauce, try a blend of broth and yogurt. This keeps it creamy while cutting calories. Using Low-Fat Ingredients You can swap in low-fat cream cheese for a rich texture. It adds creaminess without the fat of heavy cream. You can also use low-fat milk. Just be careful as it may not thicken as much. Other Pasta Shapes Fettuccine is great, but you can use penne or rotini. Each shape holds the sauce well. Try whole wheat pasta for more fiber, or even egg noodles for a twist. Gluten-Free Alternatives If you need gluten-free pasta, look for lentil or chickpea pasta. These options are tasty and high in protein. They cook a bit differently, so check the package for timing. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Place the creamy Cajun chicken Alfredo in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best quality, eat it within this time frame. Freezing this dish is easy. Use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place the pasta in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to help loosen the sauce. Stir often until it is heated through. Enjoy your meal just like the first time! To add heat, you can use several options: - Add more Cajun seasoning. - Include red pepper flakes. - Mix in diced jalapeños. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side. These options offer extra spice without losing flavor. Yes, you can prepare this meal ahead of time. - Cook the chicken and sauce, but leave out the pasta. - Store the sauce and cooked chicken in the fridge. - Cook the fettuccine fresh when you are ready to eat. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy. If you want a lighter version, try these alternatives: - Use half-and-half for a creamy taste with fewer calories. - Coconut milk can add a unique flavor. - Greek yogurt gives creaminess with added protein. These options will change the taste slightly, but they are great choices. In this blog post, I shared a delicious recipe using chicken, Cajun seasoning, and fettuccine. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, tips for creamy sauce, and meal variations. You now have options to make this dish spicy or lighter, and how to store leftovers. Cooking can be fun and easy when you know the basics. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!

Creamy One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Dive into the rich flavors of this creamy one-pot Cajun chicken Alfredo! Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, this easy recipe combines tender chicken, fettuccine pasta, and a luscious sauce, all made in just one pot. Enjoy the warm, comforting taste of Cajun seasoning and melted Parmesan. Ready to impress at your next meal? Click to explore the full recipe and bring this mouthwatering dish to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

8 oz fettuccine pasta

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the seasoned chicken to the pot and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

    In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

      Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine the ingredients. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.

        Add the fettuccine pasta to the pot, ensuring that it is fully submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta reaches an al dente texture and the sauce has thickened to your desired creaminess.

          Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the pot, followed by the reserved cooked chicken. Mix until both the cheese is fully melted, and the chicken is well coated in the creamy sauce.

            Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are warmed through and begin to soften.

              Remove the pot from heat and garnish generously with the chopped fresh parsley. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 25 min | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy Cajun chicken Alfredo in shallow bowls, with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a vibrant touch. Elevate the meal by adding sliced avocado on the side or a warm loaf of garlic bread to complement the dish beautifully!

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