Save Tender, Southern-spiced chicken crowns rich, silky parmesan cream sauce tossed with pasta for a true comfort classic with Italian flair ready in just 30 minutes.
This creamy parmesan chicken pasta has quickly become a favorite in my household for its rich flavors and ease of preparation.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to ¾-inch thickness), 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried thyme, ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste), 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, 3 tbsp olive oil
- Pasta: 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- Sauce: 4 tbsp butter, 4 cloves garlic minced, ¼ cup all-purpose flour, 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 4 oz cream cheese softened, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Garnish: 2 strips bacon cooked and crumbled (optional), 2 green onions sliced, ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped, Red pepper flakes (to taste), Fresh cracked black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Place chicken breasts between sheets of plastic wrap and pound to ¾-inch thickness for even cooking.
- Step 2:
- In a small bowl combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 3:
- Season both sides of the chicken thoroughly with the spice mixture.
- Step 4:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 67 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate, let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips. Reserve skillet drippings.
- Step 5:
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Step 6:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic sauté 1 minute. Whisk in flour and cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a light roux.
- Step 7:
- Gradually whisk in heavy cream and milk. Add Worcestershire sauce. Simmer, whisking, until slightly thickened (about 34 minutes).
- Step 8:
- Remove pan from heat. Whisk in cream cheese until fully smooth. Add Parmesan cheese in batches, stirring until melted and sauce is velvety.
- Step 9:
- Stir in lemon juice. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Thin sauce with reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Step 10:
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce to coat evenly.
- Step 11:
- Arrange sliced chicken over pasta or mix in. Reheat gently if needed.
- Step 12:
- Top with bacon (if using), green onions, parsley, red pepper flakes, and extra cracked black pepper. Serve hot with additional Parmesan if desired.
Save This recipe always brings the family together for a cozy night filled with laughter and full bellies.
Required Tools
Large skillet, Large pot, Medium saucepan, Meat mallet, Whisk, Tongs, Cheese grater, Colander
Allergen Information
Contains Milk Dairy (cream, milk, Parmesan, cream cheese, butter), Wheat Gluten (pasta, flour). Bacon may contain sulfites. Individuals with allergies should double-check all ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories 545, Total Fat 30 g, Carbohydrates 39 g, Protein 33 g
Save This Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delightful and simple dish that will quickly become a weeknight staple.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → What type of chicken works best for this dish?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded to even thickness cook quickly and evenly, ensuring tender slices in the final dish.
- → How do I achieve a smooth and creamy sauce?
Make a roux with butter and flour, then gradually whisk in cream and milk. Adding cream cheese and Parmesan cheese while off heat prevents curdling for a silky sauce.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, the cayenne pepper amount can be reduced or increased to suit your preferred heat level without overpowering the dish.
- → What pasta types are suitable for this preparation?
Fettuccine or penne work well, as they hold the creamy sauce effectively and complement the tender chicken slices.
- → Is there a way to lighten the sauce?
Substituting half-and-half for heavy cream or swapping cream cheese with Greek yogurt can reduce richness while maintaining creaminess.
- → Why reserve pasta water when draining?
Adding reserved pasta water helps adjust sauce consistency, ensuring it coats the pasta smoothly without becoming too thick or thin.