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Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta
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
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
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.