Creamy Cajun Corn & Chicken Pasta

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Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook 16 oz whole wheat penne according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, toss 2 lbs chicken with 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (or Gathered by Mary Mild Cajun Seasoning Blend), 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.

Step 3

Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add 1 diced yellow onion, 1 diced red bell pepper, and 2 cups corn. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 5

Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.

Step 6

While the vegetables cook, add 1 cup cottage cheese, 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (or Gathered by Mary Mild Cajun Seasoning Blend), 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp cornstarch (if using) to a blender. Blend until completely smooth.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir until warmed through. Do not let the sauce boil.

Step 8

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and 2 cups fresh spinach. Toss until the spinach wilts and everything is evenly coated. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water, if needed, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Step 9

Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan, if desired. Serve immediately.

Step 10

Prep Ahead Cut and season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Dice the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic. Blend the sauce up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate. Measure the seasonings ahead for even quicker prep.

Step 11

Freezer Instructions Freeze Before Cooking Freeze the seasoned chicken for up to 3 months. The creamy sauce is best prepared fresh before serving. Freeze After Cooking Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the creamy consistency.

Step 12

Gathered by Mary Notes Blending the cottage cheese creates a smooth, creamy sauce that's packed with protein—no heavy cream needed. Fresh summer corn is delicious in this recipe, but frozen corn works just as well year-round. Keep the sauce over low heat once it's added to the skillet. Gentle heat helps maintain its creamy texture. Make it family friendly. If someone at your table doesn't tolerate spicy foods, simply use the Gathered by Mary Mild Cajun Seasoning Blend instead of traditional Cajun seasoning. You'll still get plenty of smoky, savory flavor without the heat. If your family enjoys more spice, let everyone customize their own bowl with hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or extra Cajun seasoning.