If you’re craving a hearty, soul-warming meal that feels like a big, delicious hug, this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned chicken morsels swimming in a rich, dreamy Parmesan sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta and a touch of Southern charm. This dish brings together the comforting creaminess of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese with a subtle kick from paprika and garlic, making it an irresistible dinner for any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly wonderful about this recipe is how straightforward yet essential each ingredient is. Every component plays a vital role in layering flavors and textures, from the melty Parmesan to the tender chicken and al dente pasta.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds rich, creamy depth and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Balances the butter for perfect sautéing without burning.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: The centerpiece protein that soaks up all the delicious seasonings.
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt: Ensures every bite of chicken is bursting with flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides just the right amount of gentle heat.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory profile without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a mild smoky sweetness and beautiful color.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic elevates the sauce with robust aroma and depth.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds natural sweetness and texture to the sauce base.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream: Creates the luscious, silky sauce that wraps around every pasta strand.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Lightens the sauce slightly while adding a savory backbone.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient that gives this recipe its creamy, cheesy soul.
- 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta, cooked and drained: Holds the sauce wonderfully, making every forkful perfect.
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional): Adds a fresh, acidic contrast to the richness if you want a little zing.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a subtle touch of heat to wake up the flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Brightens the dish and adds a pop of fresh color.
How to Make Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by preparing your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain it well and set aside. This step is crucial because overcooked pasta won’t hold the sauce as beautifully, so keep an eye on it!
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, warm the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. While it heats, season your bite-sized chicken pieces generously with seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Place the chicken in the skillet and let it cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken out of the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Using the same skillet with those flavorful brown bits left behind, add the chopped onion. Cook until softened and translucent, roughly 3 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. These aromatics are the foundation of the creamy sauce and elevate the dish to the next level.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, gently stirring and scraping the skillet to lift all those tasty browned pieces. Allow the sauce to come to a simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, watching it thicken slightly. Then, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is perfectly smooth, rich, and creamy.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, carefully stirring to coat every morsel with that velvety sauce. If you’re using diced tomatoes and red pepper flakes, fold them in now for a beautiful blend of freshness and mild heat. Let the whole dish heat through for 1 to 2 minutes — then it’s ready!
How to Serve Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is a wonderful finishing touch, not only adding a burst of vibrant green color but also a fresh, slightly peppery note that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This creamy, flavorful pasta pairs perfectly with classic Southern sides like warm cornbread or a crisp garden salad. The cornbread’s subtle sweetness offers a lovely contrast while a fresh salad cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this pasta in individual ramekins topped with extra Parmesan and broil for a minute to create a golden crust. Or try layering the pasta with sautéed greens or roasted vegetables for added texture and nutrients.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftovers into an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, they will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
Freezing
This Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe freezes well if you want to keep it longer. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up and preserve its creamy consistency. Microwaving is also fine—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne and rotini work great to catch the sauce, feel free to try fettuccine, bow ties, or even shells to suit your texture preference.
Is there a lighter version of the sauce?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half to reduce the richness without sacrificing creaminess, though the sauce might be slightly less thick.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers add great flavor and nutrition. Add them in with the onions for best results.
How spicy is this pasta?
The spice level is mild by default, but you can increase the red pepper flakes to add kick. The paprika adds smoky warmth without heat.
What can I serve with this pasta for a complete meal?
Pair it with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or Southern-style cornbread to balance the creamy richness and keep your meal well-rounded.
Final Thoughts
If comfort food with layers of creamy, cheesy goodness speaks to your soul, you’re going to adore making and sharing this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s straightforward enough for weeknights but impressive enough for weekend dinners with friends and family. So go ahead, dive in, and enjoy every luscious bite of this Southern-inspired delight.
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Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: High-Protein
Description
This Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces cooked in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked penne or rotini pasta. Enhanced with aromatic garlic, sautéed onions, and optional diced tomatoes and red pepper flakes, this skillet pasta meal offers a delicious and hearty dinner perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Sauce and Pasta
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta, cooked and drained
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne or rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, approximately 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing thoroughly until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet, stirring well to coat all ingredients evenly with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Optional Add-ins: Mix in diced tomatoes and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to create a lighter version of this dish without compromising creaminess.
- For a smoky flavor twist, add crumbled cooked bacon or incorporate smoked paprika along with the regular paprika.
- This creamy chicken pasta pairs wonderfully with classic Southern sides like cornbread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture works best for soaking up the sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melt and authentic flavor.
