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
Scale
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.
