If you are craving a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you will adore this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s everything you want in comfort food wrapped into one delectable dish—rich, velvety cream sauce, tender chicken pieces infused with spices, and perfectly cooked pasta that soaks up all those amazing flavors. Every bite delivers a taste of Southern charm and hospitality that makes it an ideal weeknight dinner or a dish to impress company with its luscious texture and hearty goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together to create a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that makes this dish so irresistible. Each item plays a crucial role—from the melty Parmesan bringing sharp creaminess to the tender chicken packed with Southern spices, to the garnish that gives it a pop of freshness.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps develop the sauce’s creamy texture.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps brown the chicken beautifully without burning the butter.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (1 pound): The protein base that soaks in all the delicious seasoning.
- Seasoned salt (1 teaspoon): A flavorful blend that enhances the taste of the chicken.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Provides subtle garlic aroma and depth.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives the chicken a hint of smokiness and a lovely color.
- Minced garlic (3 cloves): Fresh garlic adds pungent flavor and savoriness to the sauce.
- Small onion, finely chopped (1): Builds the sweet and savory foundation for the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream (1 1/2 cups): The star ingredient that makes the sauce decadently creamy.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Adds savory depth and thins the sauce to just the right consistency.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Melts into the sauce, delivering sharp, nutty flavor.
- Penne or rotini pasta, cooked and drained (8 ounces): Pasta corkscrews or tubes that trap sauce for every bite.
- Diced tomatoes (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a pop of color and tangy sweetness when desired.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): A subtle heat boost for those who like a little spice.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Provides freshness and vibrant color to finish the dish.
How to Make Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling your pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente. Perfectly cooked pasta is essential because it absorbs the creamy sauce without turning mushy later, giving you that ideal tender bite every time.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season your chicken pieces generously with seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika; this seasoning combo gives the chicken a wonderful Southern-style flavor. Cook the chicken in batches so they brown nicely and reach a golden exterior, about 6 to 8 minutes, ensuring juicy, flavorful bites. Set the chicken aside once cooked through.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Using the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds to release fragrance without burning. This aromatic base will deepen the flavor of your creamy sauce beautifully.
Step 4: Simmer the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the pan. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly, creating a luscious and silky sauce foundation.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Combine
Stir grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, whisking continuously until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet, turning everything gently to mix and coat it evenly. For a burst of color and subtle tang, fold in diced tomatoes and sprinkle red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. Allow everything to heat through for 1 to 2 minutes, melding flavors perfectly.
How to Serve Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is not only visually stunning but also adds a refreshing herbaceous note that balances the richness of the creamy sauce. For a little extra flair, you could also add a light drizzle of good olive oil or extra Parmesan right before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with traditional Southern sides like warm, buttery cornbread or a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. The freshness from these sides cuts through the richness of the creamy pasta, creating harmony on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in rustic bowls for a cozy, family-style feel or on elegant plates if you want to impress guests with a Southern twist on comfort food. Add some roasted cherry tomatoes on top or a few crispy bacon crumbles for an extra smoky crunch. Setting the table with mason jar glasses and gingham napkins will complete that down-home Southern vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, making it perfect for an easy next-day meal.
Freezing
While cream-based sauces don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe if needed. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently over low heat, stirring often to maintain creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave using short bursts to avoid curdling the cream sauce. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk while reheating if the sauce needs loosening up. Stir well so flavors come back to life as warm as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs provide extra juiciness and a richer flavor, so feel free to swap them in. Just adjust the cooking time so they’re fork-tender and cooked through.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
You can make this dish lighter by substituting half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich and thick. Using less butter and trimming the chicken of excess fat also helps.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream sauce a day ahead and store it separately. Just reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta and warmed chicken to keep the best texture and flavor.
What pasta types work best with this recipe?
Penne or rotini are perfect because their shapes hold the creamy sauce well. You can also try fusilli, rigatoni, or even farfalle for a fun twist.
How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that builds gradually without overwhelming the other flavors. You can easily adjust the amount or leave them out altogether if you prefer mild flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those soul-satisfying dishes that quickly becomes a staple because it’s just that good. It’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make, bringing together all the best parts of Southern cooking in every creamy, cheesy bite. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again for family dinners or any time you want a hearty meal that feels like home.
Print
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
Description
Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful skillet dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces cooked in a rich, creamy parmesan sauce with garlic and onions. Tossed with perfectly cooked penne or rotini pasta and optionally spiced up with red pepper flakes and fresh tomatoes, this recipe is a hearty main course perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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)
Liquid and Dairy
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta, cooked and drained
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the penne or rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside for later use.
- Sear Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the 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 until it turns golden brown and is cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked pasta and seared chicken to the skillet. Stir gently to evenly coat everything with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Add Optional Ingredients: Mix in the diced tomatoes and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1 to 2 more minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish as a fresh garnish. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- To add a smoky flavor, incorporate crumbled bacon or smoked paprika.
- This creamy pasta pairs well with traditional Southern sides like cornbread or a fresh side salad.
