If you love a meal that wraps comfort, flavor, and a touch of Southern charm all in one bowl, you are going to adore this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s a luscious blend of crunchy, tender chicken tossed with al dente pasta, all smothered in the creamiest, cheesy sauce that’s seasoned just right with a hint of Cajun spice. Each bite brings together the heartiness of Southern cooking and the luxurious silkiness of a Parmesan cream sauce, making this dish perfect for sharing with family or impressing friends at a cozy dinner gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing its part to build layers of flavor, texture, and color in this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. From the crispy Panko-crusted chicken to the creamy sauce and fresh veggies, every component enhances the dish’s charm.
- 1 lb chicken cutlets or tenders: Tender pieces that cook quickly and soak up the crispy coating beautifully.
- 1 cup Panko: Adds the perfect light, crunchy texture to the chicken.
- 1 ½ cup grated Parmesan: The star cheese for that rich umami flavor and silky sauce texture.
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Used for sautéing to bring out a subtle fruity aroma and crisp the chicken.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and highlight the savory flavors.
- 1 lb short cut pasta: Fusilli, penne, or rigatoni work great to trap the creamy sauce.
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 bell peppers, chopped: Bring vibrant color and a mild crunch.
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated: Delivers a punch of aromatic sharpness that complements the cream.
- 3-4 tsp Cajun seasoning: Adds that iconic Southern kick and warm spice.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: For an optional extra touch of heat that wakes up your taste buds.
- 2 cups milk: Forms the base of the creamy sauce with a smooth consistency.
- ½ cup heavy cream or canned coconut milk: Intensifies the creaminess and richness of the sauce.
- 2 oz cream cheese, at room temperature: Adds silkiness and depth, creating a dreamy sauce texture.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: Finishes the dish with a bright, fresh herbal note and color pop.
How to Make Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt seasons the pasta from within, boosting flavor. Cook the short cut pasta until just al dente—meaning it still has a little bite to it—so it holds up perfectly when tossed in the sauce. Once cooked, drain it well and set aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Next, mix the Panko with the grated Parmesan. This combination forms a crispy, flavorful crust on the chicken that will contrast beautifully with the creamy pasta. Dredge each chicken cutlet in the mixture, ensuring they’re well coated. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, slice the chicken into strips for easy serving and beautiful plating.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables and Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion, bell peppers, and garlic until soft and fragrant. This base adds a wonderful sweetness and depth. Then sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes to bring that signature Southern heat and smoky warmth. Pour in the milk, heavy cream (or coconut milk if you prefer a dairy-free twist), and cream cheese. Stir gently and let the sauce simmer until it thickens to a luxuriously creamy consistency.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Chicken
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the remaining grated Parmesan. Immediately add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it all together, making sure every piece of pasta glistens with creamy sauce. Carefully place the sliced chicken strips over the top, and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. This final assembly ensures the perfect harmony of textures and flavors in every forkful.
How to Serve Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is the classic garnish to bring a pop of green and a mild peppery note. For an extra touch of heat or flavor complexity, consider sprinkling a bit more crushed red pepper flakes or a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper. A few shavings of Parmesan on top right before serving also add a nice flourish and cheesy aroma.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and hearty, so pairing it with something light and crisp works beautifully. A tangy garden salad with a simple vinaigrette refreshes the palate, and roasted or steamed green beans add a satisfying crunch. Garlic bread is always a welcome addition, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this in small cast iron skillets or individual ramekins to keep the chicken crispy and the sauce warm. Alternatively, layering the pasta in a shallow casserole dish topped with the chicken strips and baked briefly can create a lightly browned, bubbly surface for a rustic Southern feel. Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a fancy dinner party setting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the chicken and pasta together for best flavor, but keep in mind the chicken crust may soften slightly.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but it’s best to freeze the pasta and sauce separately from the chicken if possible. Place portions in freezer-friendly containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to help maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce thickens too much. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and the sauce silky.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While short cut pastas like penne or fusilli catch the sauce beautifully, feel free to use your favorite shapes such as rotini, farfalle, or even fettuccine for a different texture and look.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with canned coconut milk, use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives, and make sure the Parmesan cheese is replaced with a suitable vegan cheese to keep the creamy consistency while catering to dietary needs.
How spicy is the Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the Cajun seasoning and optional crushed red pepper flakes, which add warmth without overwhelming. You can adjust the amount to make it milder or spicier depending on your taste.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
You can chop the vegetables and grate the Parmesan ahead of time to save prep effort on the cooking day. The chicken can also be breaded and refrigerated a few hours before cooking to streamline the process.
What’s the best way to keep the chicken crispy when serving?
To maintain the chicken’s crispiness, cook it last so it stays hot and crunchy. Serve immediately after assembling the pasta, or keep cooked chicken warm separately and add it right before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is truly a showstopper, blending classic Southern flavors with a rich, indulgent sauce and crispy chicken in a way that feels both comforting and special. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend feast, this dish is easy enough to whip up yet impressive enough to share. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love just like I did!
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Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
This Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken cutlets coated in a crispy Panko and parmesan crust with a rich, creamy sauce seasoned with Cajun spices. Tossed with al dente pasta and fresh bell peppers, this dish delivers comforting flavors with a spicy southern twist, perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken cutlets or tenders
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Pasta & Vegetables
- 1 lb short cut pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
Sauce
- 3–4 tsp Cajun seasoning
- Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream or canned coconut milk
- 2 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the short cut pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare and cook the chicken: In a shallow dish, combine the Panko bread crumbs and grated Parmesan. Season the chicken cutlets or tenders with kosher salt and black pepper, then dredge each piece in the Panko-Parmesan mixture until fully coated. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and slice into strips.
- Sauté vegetables and make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté over medium heat until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Pour in the milk, heavy cream (or coconut milk), and add the cream cheese. Stir well to combine and simmer gently until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine pasta and finish the dish: Stir grated Parmesan cheese into the creamy sauce until melted. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Top the pasta with the sliced chicken strips and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with canned coconut milk and use dairy-free cream cheese.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the dish.
- Use fresh Parmesan for best flavor and texture in the coating and sauce.
- Make sure to not overcook the pasta; al dente will give the best texture for this creamy dish.
