Name: Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken cutlets or tenders; 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs; 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided; 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided; Kosher salt & black pepper; 1 lb short-cut pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli); 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 2 bell peppers, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated; 3-4 tsp Cajun seasoning (see notes for homemade); Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste; 2 cups milk; ½ cup heavy cream or canned coconut milk; 2 oz cream cheese, at room temperature; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

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This Southern-style creamy Parmesan chicken pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors. Imagine tender, juicy chicken smothered in a velvety, garlicky Parmesan sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a dish that feels fancy but is actually super easy to make! Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Why You’ll Love Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Ultra Creamy & Flavorful: The luscious sauce is infused with garlic, Parmesan, and just the right amount of seasoning.
Southern Comfort in Every Bite: A rich, indulgent dish that’s warm and satisfying.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, quick prep, and minimal effort.
One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup, more flavor!
Perfect for Leftovers: Even better the next day—just reheat and enjoy.

Ingredients in Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This dish is made with simple, yet flavorful ingredients that create a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Juicy, tender, and packed with protein.
Pasta: Choose your favorite—penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work beautifully.
Heavy Cream: The key to that silky, decadent sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best flavor and texture.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create that luxurious sauce.
Garlic: Because no good Southern dish is complete without it!
Chicken Broth: Enhances the flavor and keeps the sauce from being too heavy.
Creole or Cajun Seasoning: Adds a touch of Southern spice and warmth.
Paprika: A smoky, slightly sweet depth of flavor.
Spinach (Optional): A pop of color and extra nutrients.
Cherry Tomatoes (Optional): Bursts of freshness to balance the richness.
Fresh Parsley: A bright, herby finish.

How to Make Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Season & Sear the Chicken: Season chicken with Creole seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear in butter until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest.
Make the Sauce: In the same pan, sauté garlic in butter, then add chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Combine Everything: Slice the chicken and return it to the pan along with the pasta. Toss until everything is well-coated in the sauce.
Add the Finishing Touches: Stir in spinach and cherry tomatoes if using. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serve & Enjoy: Plate it up and savor every creamy, cheesy, Southern-inspired bite!

How to Serve Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

With Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy sauce.
Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness.
Roasted Vegetables: Try asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts.
Topped with Extra Cheese: Because there’s no such thing as too much Parmesan!

Additional Tips

Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly.
Adjust the Spice Level: Add more Creole seasoning for extra kick or reduce it for a milder flavor.
Swap the Protein: This works great with shrimp, salmon, or even crispy bacon.
Make it Lighter: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use whole wheat pasta.
Storage Tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
A1: Yes! Store the pasta separately from the sauce and combine when reheating.
Q2: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A2: You can, but the sauce won’t be as thick and creamy. Try adding a little cornstarch if using milk.
Q3: What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?
A3: Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni hold the sauce beautifully.
Q4: Can I make this gluten-free?
A4: Yes! Just use gluten-free pasta and check your seasonings for hidden gluten.
Q5: Can I freeze leftovers?
A5: The sauce may separate when thawed, but stirring well while reheating helps.
Q6: How do I reheat this pasta?
A6: Warm in a pan with a splash of cream or broth to keep it creamy.
Q7: Can I add mushrooms?
A7: Absolutely! Sauté them with the garlic for extra depth of flavor.
Q8: What if my sauce is too thick?
A8: Add a little more chicken broth or cream to thin it out.
Q9: Can I make this without dairy?
A9: Yes! Use coconut milk and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Q10: How do I make it extra cheesy?
A10: Stir in some shredded mozzarella or provolone for a gooey texture.

This Southern-style creamy Parmesan chicken pasta is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors—exactly what you need for a satisfying meal. Give it a try, and don’t forget to grab an extra fork because everyone will want a bite!

Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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Author: Maria
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southern

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Description

This Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a Southern-inspired comfort dish with a Cajun kick! Crispy parmesan-coated chicken is served over a rich, creamy pasta sauce loaded with bell peppers, garlic, and Cajun spices. A perfect easy dinner recipe that’s high in protein and full of flavor.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Bread the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, mix Panko with ½ cup Parmesan. Dredge both sides of the chicken in the mixture, pressing firmly to adhere. Set aside.
Make the Sauce: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onion for 5 minutes, then add bell peppers and garlic, cooking until soft. Stir in Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the Creamy Ingredients: Pour in milk and heavy cream, then add cream cheese. Whisk until smooth. Simmer for 5-8 minutes until thickened.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a cutting board, season with salt, and slice into thin strips.
Finish the Pasta: Stir remaining Parmesan into the sauce, then toss in the cooked pasta. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in parsley.

Serve & Enjoy: Divide pasta between plates and top with crispy chicken slices.

Notes

For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add extra Cajun seasoning.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

To make homemade Cajun seasoning, mix:
- 2 ½ tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 505
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 85mg