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.
I first served this southern style creamy parmesan chicken pasta to my family on a chilly evening and it was an instant hit loved for its rich flavor and comforting texture.
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 This dish always brings my family together especially on weekends when we share stories over a comforting meal.
Required Tools
Large skillet, Large pot, Medium saucepan, Meat mallet, Whisk, Tongs, Cheese grater, Colander
Allergen Information
Contains Milk/Dairy (cream, milk, Parmesan, cream cheese, butter), Wheat/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 creamy chicken pasta is sure to become a family favorite with its balance of spice creaminess and texture.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness and allowing them to rest after cooking helps retain moisture and ensures tender, juicy slices.
- → Can I use a different pasta type?
Yes, fettuccine or penne work well, but any pasta holding sauce nicely will complement the creamy Parmesan blend.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use freshly grated Parmesan and avoid boiling the sauce after adding cheese. Gently warm and stir until smooth for a velvety texture.
- → What adjustments can be made for a lighter sauce?
Substitute half-and-half for cream or use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese to reduce richness while maintaining creaminess.
- → How is the sauce consistency adjusted?
Reserve pasta water during cooking and add gradually to thin the sauce to your preferred consistency for a perfect coating.