Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s bursting with flavor and just downright delicious, you’ve got to try this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s got that perfect creamy sauce, tender chicken with a crispy parmesan crust, and pasta that soaks up all those tangy, spicy vibes. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become your weeknight hero too! Keep reading because I’m sharing all my personal tips to make sure your dish turns out absolutely perfect.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe plays a big role in layering flavor and texture. From the crispy crust on the chicken to the creamy, spicy sauce, these ingredients come together beautifully. When shopping, fresh parmesan and quality olive oil make a noticeable difference.

• Chicken cutlets or tenders: Choose thin and tender for quick cooking and to soak up all those crispy flavors.
• Panko: Creates a light, crunchy crust that sticks well to the parmesan for texture contrast.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds nuttiness and umami both inside the crust and melted into the sauce.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Provides a rich base for sautéing while adding depth to the sauce and chicken crust.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance all flavors perfectly.
• Short cut pasta: Penne or rigatoni works great here—their shape holds onto the sauce nicely.
• Yellow onion and bell peppers: Soften into sweetness and a bit of freshness, balancing the creamy sauce.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic warmth, making everything more inviting.
• Cajun seasoning & crushed red pepper flakes: Bring that classic Southern spice kick, but adjust the heat to your liking.
• Milk & heavy cream (or coconut milk): Make the sauce silky and luscious without overpowering the chicken or pasta.
• Cream cheese: Helps thicken the sauce and gives it that velvety mouthfeel that feels indulgent yet approachable.
• Fresh parsley: Finishes the dish with a pop of color and mild herbaceous brightness.

Make It Your Way

I’m all about making recipes your own. This Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is such a versatile base that you can easily tweak it to fit your mood, pantry, or dietary preferences. I often swap the chicken for shrimp or add spinach for a touch of green goodness.

• Variation: I once swapped bell peppers for sun-dried tomatoes and it added a lovely tangy sweetness—totally delicious and unexpected!
• Dietary Modification: For a dairy-free version, try using coconut milk and your favorite dairy-free cream cheese; it still turns out creamy and flavorful.
• Spice Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to your heat preference—you can go mild or seriously spicy depending on your crowd.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Boil and Prep the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—don’t forget the salt, it seasons your pasta inside out. Cook your pasta just until al dente, about a minute or two shy of what the package suggests. This way, it’ll finish cooking later in the sauce and soak up all those flavors without getting mushy. Drain and set aside, but keep about a cup of pasta water just in case the sauce feels too thick later.

Step 2: Make That Crunchy Parmesan-Coated Chicken

In a shallow bowl, mix panko and half of your grated parmesan. This combo gives you a crispy, golden crust with cheesy depth. Take your chicken tenders and dredge them through the mixture, pressing down firmly—yes, get into it with your fist! This really helps the coating stick. I promise, this step makes all the difference between soggy and satisfyingly crunchy chicken.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies and Build the Creamy Sauce

Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, around 5 minutes. Then add your chopped bell peppers and garlic, cooking another 5 minutes until everything’s tender and fragrant. Next comes the magic—add Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir for about 60 seconds until those spices wake up and fill your kitchen.

Now pour in the milk and cream, followed by the cream cheese. Whisk vigorously to dissolve the cream cheese into a smooth, luscious sauce. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 8 minutes to thicken just a bit—don’t rush it, patience here pays off in silky texture.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection

In another skillet (or the cleaned one if you prefer), heat the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken tenders and cook 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip and repeat on the other side, aiming for that beautiful, even crust. Once done, transfer to a cutting board and season with salt. Slice into strips when they’re cool enough to handle.

Step 5: Bring It All Together and Serve

Back to your sauce—stir in the remaining parmesan until melted and silky. Toss in the cooked pasta, letting it soak in the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes over low heat. If the sauce thickens too much, a splash of that reserved pasta water will loosen it up perfectly. Remove from heat, stir in fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and plate it all up. Top with that crispy chicken and get ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping mine with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and a handful of chopped fresh parsley for that burst of bright, herbal flavor and color. Sometimes, I add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil and a pinch of red pepper flakes on top to amp up the heat. It just makes the dish look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad—think simple mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette—to balance the creamy pasta. I also enjoy serving it alongside roasted or sautéed greens like spinach or kale for some extra nutrition and color.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to plate the pasta in shallow bowls, artfully fanned with the sliced chicken on top, then finished with parsley and lemon zest for a little zing. Making individual portions in mini cast-iron skillets also looks impressive and keeps the pasta warm longer at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover pasta and chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If possible, I store the chicken separately from the pasta so it doesn’t get soggy overnight. This helps maintain the crispness of the chicken crust when reheated.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish once or twice with good results—just pack the creamy pasta and chicken separately if you can. When thawing, do so overnight in the fridge for best texture, then reheat gently on the stove to keep the sauce creamy and the chicken crispy.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or stock to loosen the sauce. The chicken gets a quick crisp up in a hot pan or under the broiler for just a minute or two. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make the crust soggy and the sauce separate.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe has a very special place in my weeknight rotation—it’s comfort food at its best without being too fussy or heavy. The crispy chicken with creamy, spicy sauce is just downright irresistible. If you’re craving something indulgent that still feels like home cooking, this recipe will not disappoint. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own, just like I have!

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