Southern Creamy Parmesan Chicken

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.

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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

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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.