Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
If there were ever a dish that could wrap you in a big Southern hug, it’s the Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. Think rich, velvety sauce clinging to every curve of tender pasta, juicy chicken full of warm Cajun spice, and a generous snowfall of Parmesan—all coming together in one skillet for a dreamy, flavor-packed weeknight dinner you’ll crave again and again. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of comforting creaminess and bold seasoning, delivering soul-satisfying goodness that’s as simple to make as it is impressive to serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for this pasta is easy to find, but each ingredient really makes a difference in the final flavor, texture, and color of your Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. Let’s go over what you’ll need and a few reasons why you’ll want every single one.
- Chicken (1 lb boneless, skinless breasts or thighs): The true star here—choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for a leaner bite, and cut them into pieces for quicker, more even cooking.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps brown the chicken nicely and adds a smooth base note to the sauce.
- Cajun seasoning (1 teaspoon): Delivers that signature Southern kick and just the right amount of warmth.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor for a well-balanced, savory dish.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Lends a background earthiness and a little bite.
- Penne or rotini pasta (12 ounces): These pasta shapes catch every bit of creamy sauce—use gluten-free if you’d like!
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Gives the sauce a rich, luxurious mouthfeel and helps cook the garlic without burning.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): There’s no substitute for the savory aroma freshly minced garlic brings to creamy pasta.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates the dreamy creamy base that ties the whole dish together.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Lightens and balances out the creaminess with a touch of savory depth.
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup, freshly grated): Melts seamlessly into the sauce for irresistible umami and cheesy body.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle smokiness and vibrant color that bring out the Southern spirit.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Turns up the heat for spice lovers—add to taste!
- Sun-dried tomatoes (1/2 cup, optional): For a tangy burst and beautiful color contrast if you’re feeling fancy.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Always finish with fresh herbs for a pop of color, aroma, and freshness.
How to Make Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, toss in your penne or rotini, and cook it until just al dente according to the package directions. Drain it well and set it aside—but don’t forget to reserve a bit of pasta water for later in case your sauce needs loosening up. A perfectly cooked pasta is a perfect foundation for the Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
In a large, sturdy skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. While it’s warming up, pat your chicken pieces dry and generously season them with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once, until it’s golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and keep it warm—this build-up of flavor is what sets the Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe apart.
Step 3: Start the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet (don’t clean it—you want all those golden bits), reduce the heat to medium and add your butter. When it’s melted and just starting to foam, stir in the minced garlic. Let it sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn! This will infuse the whole sauce with irresistible garlicky savoriness.
Step 4: Build and Thicken the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any flavorful bits on the bottom. Once it starts simmering, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan, smoked paprika, and cayenne if using. Let the sauce bubble gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly—the Parmesan will melt into the sauce, creating that signature creamy texture the Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is known for.
Step 5: Combine Everything and Serve
Toss in the cooked pasta and cooked chicken, along with sun-dried tomatoes if you’re using them. Give everything a good toss to coat, and cook for a minute or two so all the flavors blend and everything’s heated through. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Finish with a shower of fresh parsley and get ready to serve your masterpiece hot.
How to Serve Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a great garnish! A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a beautiful green contrast and bright aroma, while a little extra Parmesan on top gives each plate a savory, salty finish. If you’re feeling bold, a light dusting of smoked paprika can really show off the dish’s Southern roots.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta is rich, so lighter sides make for a perfect pairing. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or simple roasted green beans cut through the richness. If you love a classic Southern supper, serve with skillet cornbread or buttermilk biscuits to soak up every bit of sauce—because every drop of the Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is worth savoring!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your pasta in large shallow bowls and let each guest top their own with fresh herbs, extra cheese, or a dash more cayenne. Alternatively, plate it family-style on a big platter with all the chicken and creamy sauce piled high for a festive, welcoming centerpiece—perfect for sharing at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you wind up with leftovers (lucky you!), transfer them into an airtight container once the pasta is cool. The Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just know that the sauce will thicken up a bit as it chills.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for future cravings! Let the pasta cool completely before placing it in freezer-safe containers. It will keep its flavor for up to 2 months, though the texture of the sauce may change a little upon thawing. Freezing in single servings makes it perfect for grab-and-go lunches.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, splashing in a bit of milk or extra cream to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until everything’s creamy and hot again. For single servings, a microwave works just fine—try 60 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Although penne and rotini do an excellent job of catching all that creamy sauce, feel free to substitute any sturdy pasta shape you love—like rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle for a touch of whimsy.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, or even a mixture of whole milk and Greek yogurt, for a lighter yet still luscious sauce. You’ll sacrifice a bit of richness but keep things silky and satisfying.
How spicy is the Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe?
The base recipe gets a gentle warmth from Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. If you opt to include the cayenne pepper, it turns up the heat—so adjust to suit your taste, or leave it out entirely for a milder dish.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Definitely! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce is naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy adjustment to serve the Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe to all your guests.
What can I add to make it even more Southern?
Try adding sautéed bell peppers for a pop of sweetness and color, or replace the chicken with andouille sausage for a smoky, spicy layer. A handful of fresh baby spinach stirred in at the end is also a tasty, Southern-inspired touch.
Final Thoughts
When you’re craving big flavor and even bigger comfort, the Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is true dinnertime magic. Whether you’re serving family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish promises to hit all the right notes—creamy, savory, warmly spiced, and utterly satisfying. You’ve got to give this one a try; it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
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Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Southern-style creamy Parmesan chicken pasta. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a decadent sauce come together for a satisfying meal that’s easy to make.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the pasta:
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook in a skillet until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic in butter. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, paprika, and cayenne. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta, chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes. Toss to coat and heat through.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- For a Southern twist, try using andouille sausage or sautéed bell peppers.
- You can lighten the sauce by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
