Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Craving a hug in a bowl? This Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the answer! It’s brimming with crispy, juicy chicken, a velvety Cajun-spiced cheese sauce, and hearty bites of pasta—all wrapped up in a dish that’s as comforting as a warm Southern evening. Get ready for your new weeknight favorite!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta keeps things easy, without skimping on taste! Each ingredient is chosen for its power to add crunch, creaminess, or that signature savory Southern flair.

• Chicken cutlets or tenders: The stars of the show—quick to cook and soak up all those flavors.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese-style crumbs give the chicken its irresistible crispy crunch.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated parmesan goes into both the crispy chicken and the creamy sauce for double the cheesy punch.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Helps the chicken get golden and adds subtle fruity depth to the veggies.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning lets every main ingredient shine.
• Short-cut pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or rotini cling perfectly to every bit of sauce and chicken.
• Yellow onion: Gives a rich, foundational sweetness to your base.
• Bell peppers: Their sweet, colorful crunch makes every bite lively and bright.
• Garlic: A dash of fresh garlic makes the sauce irresistible—don’t be shy with it!
• Cajun seasoning: Essential for that classic Southern zing and gentle heat.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For a hint of lingering warmth—add more if you like a kick.
• Milk and heavy cream (or coconut milk): This combo builds the silky, rich base of the sauce.
• Cream cheese: Secret weapon for ultra-creamy texture and a touch of tang.
• Fresh parsley: For a burst of fresh flavor and a pretty finish.

Variations

One of the joys of Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta? It’s endlessly customizable! Feel free to put your spin on things—whether you’re catering to allergies, tastes, or what’s left in your fridge.

• Make It Spicier: Add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch more red pepper flakes for a bolder kick.
• Lighten It Up: Try half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or use more milk and skip the cream cheese for a lighter version.
• Go Gluten-Free: Sub in gluten-free pasta or breadcrumbs for an allergy-friendly twist.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in spinach, kale, or mushrooms in step three for an extra serving of greens.
• Dairy-Free Dream: Swap in canned coconut milk and vegan cream cheese—the sauce stays dreamy and rich.

How to Make Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil—the salt seasons the pasta from the inside out. Cook your favorite short pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside. This way, it’s perfectly chewy and ready to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce later!

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, prep your chicken cutlets or tenders. Mix Panko and some grated parmesan in a shallow bowl, then dredge each piece of chicken in the mixture. Here’s the trick: really press to ensure every nook is covered and the coating sticks. Lay them on a plate and let them rest while you get the sauce started—this helps the crust stay on while frying.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies and Build the Sauce

Heat half your olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then toss in the chopped onion. After it softens, scatter in your bell peppers and garlic, letting everything sizzle until the peppers are just tender. Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, stirring until fragrant. Pour over the milk and cream, add cream cheese, and whisk until you have the creamiest, dreamiest sauce. Let it simmer gently until thickened—it’ll be almost irresistible by now.

Step 4: Fry Up the Chicken

In another skillet, heat the rest of your olive oil over medium-high. Lay in the chicken pieces (don’t crowd them) and cook until golden brown on each side—about 3-4 minutes per side. You’re looking for a beautifully crisp, cheesy crust! Once done, move the chicken to a board, season with a pinch more salt, and slice thinly. Trust me—the crispy slices on the creamy pasta are unforgettable.

Step 5: Marry the Pasta and Sauce

Stir the remaining parmesan into the luscious sauce, then toss in your cooked pasta. Let it cook together for a few minutes, so every tube or spiral is coated in perfection. Take it off the heat, stir in parsley for a breath of freshness, and get ready to plate up!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Divide the creamy Cajun pasta onto plates, pile on those crisp chicken strips, and garnish as you like. From the first bite, you’ll understand why Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a household staple!

How to Serve Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra parmesan and a shower of chopped fresh parsley just before serving add color, freshness, and a final hit of that comforting cheesy flavor. For a Southern twist, try a pinch more Cajun seasoning or a touch of smoked paprika on top—your taste buds will thank you!

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but it loves good company! Serve alongside buttery garlic bread or warm cornbread to soak up extra sauce. A crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette adds a lovely, refreshing contrast to all that luscious creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, try serving Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta family-style in a big, colorful platter—layer the pasta underneath and arrange chicken slices neatly on top. Or, for a more elegant touch, swirl the pasta into individual bowls and lay chicken strips over each nest, finishing with an artful sprinkle of herbs and cheese.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta tasting fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors only get better overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch a real treat!

Freezing

You can freeze this pasta dish, but keep in mind the creamy sauce may separate slightly when thawed. For best results, freeze sauce and chicken separately from the pasta, then reheat and combine just before serving.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce is too thick. Warm chicken separately in a skillet or oven to restore its crunch before adding it back to the pasta.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a meal that feels like home (and gets rave reviews every time), Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta has you covered. Try it out this week—you’ll be serving up smiles and second helpings in no time!

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