Ingredients:

  • 5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, diced
  • 12 oz Wholewheat Penne or Rotini Pasta
  • 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 Tbsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • Salt & Black Pepper to taste
  • 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 2 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 cup Low Sodium Chicken Broth
  • 1 cup 2% or Whole Milk
  • 4 oz Softened Cream Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Low-Fat Cottage Cheese (blended smooth) OR Plain Greek Yogurt
  • 1/2 cup Finely Diced Yellow Onion
  • 1 cup Diced Red Bell Pepper
  • 3 cloves Minced Garlic
  • 1/2 cup Shredded Low-Moisture Mozzarella (optional)
  • 2 Tbsp Chopped Fresh Parsley

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, toss the diced chicken with 1 Tbsp of the Cajun seasoning blend. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and whisk constantly for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth, followed by the milk. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning, cream cheese, and the blended cottage cheese/Greek yogurt until the mixture is completely smooth and lump-free.
  6. Fold the cooked chicken and the drained pasta into the creamy sauce until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a prepared 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the top lightly with mozzarella, if using.
  8. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the top is lightly golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.