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

Scale

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

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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.