Save Tender, Southern-spiced chicken crowns rich, silky parmesan cream sauce tossed with pasta for a true comfort classic with Italian flair ready in just 30 minutes.
This recipe combines the best of Southern spices with creamy Parmesan sauce for an irresistible meal that my family asks for again and again.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to ¾-inch thickness), 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried thyme, ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste), 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, 3 tbsp olive oil
- Pasta: 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- Sauce: 4 tbsp butter, 4 cloves garlic, minced, ¼ cup all-purpose flour, 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 4 oz cream cheese softened, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Garnish: 2 strips bacon cooked and crumbled (optional), 2 green onions sliced, ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped, Red pepper flakes (to taste), Fresh cracked black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Place chicken breasts between sheets of plastic wrap and pound to ¾-inch thickness for even cooking.
- Step 2:
- In a small bowl combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 3:
- Season both sides of the chicken thoroughly with the spice mixture.
- Step 4:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate, let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips. Reserve skillet drippings.
- Step 5:
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Step 6:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic; sauté 1 minute. Whisk in flour and cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a light roux.
- Step 7:
- Gradually whisk in heavy cream and milk. Add Worcestershire sauce. Simmer, whisking, until slightly thickened (about 3–4 minutes).
- Step 8:
- Remove pan from heat. Whisk in cream cheese until fully smooth. Add Parmesan cheese in batches, stirring until melted and sauce is velvety.
- Step 9:
- Stir in lemon juice. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Thin sauce with reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Step 10:
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce to coat evenly.
- Step 11:
- Arrange sliced chicken over pasta or mix in. Reheat gently if needed.
- Step 12:
- Top with bacon (if using), green onions, parsley, red pepper flakes, and extra cracked black pepper. Serve hot with additional Parmesan if desired.
Save Cooking this dish brings my family together every time creating warm memories around the dinner table.
Required Tools
Large skillet, Large pot, Medium saucepan, Meat mallet, Whisk, Tongs, Cheese grater, Colander
Allergen Information
Contains Milk amp Dairy (cream, milk, Parmesan, cream cheese, butter), Wheat amp Gluten (pasta, flour) Bacon may contain sulfites Individuals with allergies should double-check all ingredient labels
Nutritional Information
Calories 545 Total Fat 30 g Carbohydrates 39 g Protein 33 g per serving
Save This Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is perfect for quick weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded to an even thickness ensure uniform cooking and tenderness.
- → How to prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use freshly grated Parmesan and avoid boiling the sauce after cheese is added to maintain smoothness.
- → Can pasta water really affect the sauce?
Yes, reserved pasta water helps thin the sauce and promotes better sauce adhesion to the pasta due to its starch content.
- → How do I adjust spiciness in the dish?
Tweak the amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
- → Are there substitutions for cream cheese?
Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative, adding creaminess without overpowering the sauce.
- → What is the purpose of resting the chicken?
Allowing the chicken to rest retains juices, making the meat moist and more flavorful when sliced.