Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the kind of comfort food that feels indulgent yet familiar. Tender, well-seasoned chicken paired with rich, velvety Parmesan cream sauce and perfectly cooked pasta creates a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying.

This creamy chicken pasta recipe is especially popular for busy weeknights when you want something filling, flavorful, and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. With bold Southern spices, real dairy, and simple ingredients, it delivers restaurant-quality results right at home.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or planning a cozy dinner, this Southern creamy Parmesan chicken pasta is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to follow, beginner-friendly steps
• Creamy, rich flavor using everyday pantry ingredients
• Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or date nights
• Budget-friendly while feeling indulgent
• Foolproof method with consistent results

About the Ingredients

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

Chicken breasts provide lean protein and cook evenly when pounded to uniform thickness. Seasoned generously, they develop a golden crust that adds depth to the entire dish.

Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan is essential for a smooth, creamy sauce. It adds a salty, nutty richness that defines this pasta and gives it its signature flavor.

Heavy Cream and Whole Milk

This combination creates a luxurious sauce that’s rich but not overly thick. The milk lightens the cream while maintaining a smooth texture.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese adds extra creaminess and helps stabilize the sauce, preventing separation while giving it a silky finish.

Pasta (Fettuccine or Penne)

Fettuccine holds creamy sauces beautifully, while penne traps sauce inside each bite. Either option works perfectly for this recipe.

Tips & Tricks

• Pound the chicken evenly for consistent cooking
• Season chicken generously to build flavor early
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness
• Keep sauce at a gentle simmer to avoid curdling
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest texture

Pro Tips

• Let chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy
• Add Parmesan gradually to avoid clumping
• Stir constantly once dairy is added
• Finish with lemon juice to balance richness
• Garnish just before serving for the best presentation

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by pounding the chicken to even thickness and seasoning it well with the spice blend. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and allow it to rest before slicing.

While the chicken rests, cook the pasta in well-salted water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining. In a separate saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant, then whisk in flour to form a roux.

Slowly add the heavy cream and milk, whisking continuously until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cream cheese, followed by Parmesan cheese in batches. Finish with lemon juice and adjust seasoning. Toss pasta with the sauce, add chicken, and heat gently before serving.

Variations

• Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood version
• Swap pasta for gluten-free noodles
• Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables
• Make it spicier with extra cayenne or red pepper flakes
• Omit bacon for a lighter option

How to Store

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator
• Keeps fresh for up to 3–4 days
• Freezing is not recommended due to the cream sauce
• Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. Reheat gently to maintain texture.

What pasta works best for this dish?
Fettuccine and penne both hold creamy sauce very well.

How do I keep the sauce from breaking?
Avoid boiling after adding cheese and keep heat low.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Is this recipe spicy?
It has mild heat, but you can easily adjust the cayenne.

Caroline

Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This Southern-style creamy Parmesan chicken pasta features tender seasoned chicken, rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Finished with fresh herbs and optional bacon, it’s a comforting, restaurant-worthy dish ideal for weeknights or entertaining.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 720

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded
• 2 tsp paprika (smoked preferred)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• red pepper flakes, to taste
• fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

Equipment

• Large skillet
• large pot
• Medium saucepan
• Meat mallet
• whisk
• Tongs
• Cheese grater
• colander

Method

 

1. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and season all sides with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove, rest briefly, then slice.
3. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water, then drain.
4. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, sauté the garlic, then whisk in the flour to form a roux.
5. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until thickened.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the cream cheese and Parmesan until smooth.
7. Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, then add the sliced chicken and combine well.
9. Garnish with bacon, green onions, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce. Do not boil the sauce after adding cheese. Keep reserved pasta water nearby to loosen the sauce if needed.

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