If you’re craving a dish that’s pure comfort and bursting with bold Southern flavors, the Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is truly a gem you’ll want to keep in your weekly rotation. Succulent, Cajun-spiced chicken mingles lovingly with pasta ribbons, all smothered in a lusciously creamy Parmesan sauce that’s got just the right hint of garlic and smoked paprika. The result? A plateful of rich, velvety, flavor-packed goodness that tastes like something straight out of a down-home kitchen, but comes together quickly on a busy weeknight. Whether you’re feeding family or guests, this pasta never fails to inspire both smiles and second helpings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe relies on simple kitchen staples, each playing a starring role in taste and texture. When the right ingredients come together, you get that irresistible creamy, savory depth, those bursts of color, and a comfort food experience that’s both cozy and unforgettable.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, juicy cooking and hearty bites in every forkful.
- Cajun seasoning: This blend brings a Southern kick, livening up the chicken with bold spices and that extra touch of warmth.
- Olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to a beautiful golden brown and keeping everything tender.
- Pasta (penne or rotini): These shapes are ideal for grabbing onto the creamy sauce and holding it in every groove.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the garlic bloom in the pan for extra depth of flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Four cloves means serious garlic flavor—you want that background aroma and subtle bite.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that ultra creamy, decadent sauce that coats every bite of pasta and chicken.
- Chicken broth: Brings savory depth and balances out the richness of the cream.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan brings a tangy, nutty hit and helps thicken the sauce to luscious perfection.
- Smoked paprika: Just a pinch adds smoky undertones that echo Southern barbecued flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: Season as you go for the perfect punch of flavor to finish the dish.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top, this adds a pop of color and freshness right before serving.
How to Make Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your favorite pasta (penne or rotini are fantastic choices) in well-salted water according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Cooking the pasta first ensures it’s ready to soak up every drop of the creamy sauce when the time comes.
Step 2: Season and Sauté the Chicken
In a medium bowl, toss those chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning until they’re evenly coated with that punchy, Southern spice. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken turns golden and is cooked through—no pink in the middle! Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, but don’t touch those flavorful brown bits left behind.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Stir in the minced garlic, letting it sizzle and fragrant up the whole kitchen for about a minute. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any yummy browned bits for maximum flavor. Let this mixture gently simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Spices
Slowly whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan and smoked paprika, stirring all the while until the sauce turns creamy and thick. This is where the magic of the Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe happens—the sauce becomes silky and oh-so flavorful! Season with a little salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add the cooked pasta and reserved chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything well so every piece is coated in that dreamy, cheesy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you need to, then get ready to plate up!
How to Serve Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A generous scatter of freshly chopped parsley does wonders—not only for color but also for a touch of freshness that cuts through the richness. If you’re in the mood, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even a dash of Cajun seasoning over the top really sets things off. Serve warm to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest.
Side Dishes
This Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe shines with bright, crunchy sides. Think buttery garlic bread, a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette, or even Southern classics like sautéed greens. These sides balance the creaminess of the pasta beautifully and round out a comfort food feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your pasta in big family-style bowls, letting everyone dig in, or tuck it into individual ramekins for a cozy, personal touch. For special occasions, dress it up with grilled shrimp or sprinkle crisp crumbled bacon on top as a Southern-inspired extra!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extra? Lucky you! Store any leftover Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making leftovers a treat you’ll look forward to.
Freezing
If you’re planning ahead, this pasta can be frozen, though the sauce may thicken. Place cooled servings in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce. You can microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between, if you’re in a hurry. Either way, you’ll have creamy, cheesy goodness ready in no time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! The beauty of the Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is its flexibility. Penne and rotini hold onto sauce well, but feel free to use any shape you love—fettuccine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti work perfectly.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’d like a lighter version, try half-and-half or evaporated milk. While it won’t be quite as rich, you’ll still get a delicious, creamy sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken and pasta.
Is there a vegetarian option?
Yes! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, roasted veggies, or even crispy tofu. Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll keep all that creamy, cheesy comfort in a meatless meal.
Can I make this dish spicier?
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or a healthy splash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce, or go heavier on the Cajun seasoning. It’s easy to make this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe as fiery as you like!
How can I prevent the sauce from separating?
Keep your heat moderate and add the Parmesan gradually, whisking constantly to create a smooth, stable sauce. Avoid letting it boil too hard—gentle simmering helps everything blend beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a hearty, easy, and downright craveable meal, this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe brings all the Southern comfort you need. Gather your favorite people, whip up a big pot, and watch the smiles appear—there’s just something extra special about sharing a pasta like this. Give it a try and make your next dinner unforgettable!
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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 and creamy flavors of the South with this delicious Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe. Perfectly seasoned chicken, al dente pasta, and a velvety Parmesan sauce come together to create a comforting and satisfying meal that will please the whole family.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted water. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: Toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning. Sear in olive oil until golden and cooked through.
- Prepare the Sauce: Sauté garlic in butter. Add cream, broth, Parmesan, and paprika. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Toss pasta and chicken in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- For extra Southern flair, add cooked bacon or a splash of hot sauce.
- This dish also works well with shrimp or sausage as a variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
