If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances rich, velvety sauce with a touch of Southern charm, then this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is going to become your new go-to comfort meal. Picture tender, golden-crusted chicken cutlets nestled on a bed of perfectly al dente pasta, all enveloped in a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce infused with vibrant Cajun spices and sautéed veggies. It’s a hearty feast that’s surprisingly easy to whip up, yet delivers that cozy, indulgent flavor profile that makes every bite pure happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe shines because of its thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role in building layers of texture and flavor, from the crispy crust on the chicken to the creamy, cheesy sauce that ties everything together.
- 1 lb chicken cutlets or tenders: Tender and quick-cooking for that perfect crispy finish.
- 1 cup Panko: Adds an irresistible crunch to the chicken coating.
- 1 ½ cup grated Parmesan: The star cheese delivering salty, nutty depth.
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: For sautéing and crisping with rich flavor.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every component.
- 1 lb short cut pasta: Choose penne, rigatoni, or your favorite to hold the sauce well.
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped: Brings natural sweetness and aromatic base.
- 2 bell peppers, chopped: Colorful, crunchy, and adds a fresh contrast.
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated: Pungent and fragrant, building savory depth.
- 3-4 tsp Cajun seasoning: Adds a gentle heat and Southern spice character.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: For a customizable kick of spice.
- 2 cups milk: Creates the creamy sauce foundation.
- ½ cup heavy cream or canned coconut milk: Ensures luscious, rich texture.
- 2 oz cream cheese, at room temperature: Adds tangy silkiness to the sauce.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: Brightens and freshens the final dish.
How to Make Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Al Dente Perfection
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Choose your preferred short cut pasta and cook it until it’s al dente, just tender with a gentle bite to hold up to the creamy sauce without getting mushy. Drain it well and set aside while you prepare the rest of the dish. This step is crucial because texture is everything in a great pasta.
Step 2: Create the Crispy Parmesan-Panko Coating and Cook the Chicken
Mix the Panko breadcrumbs with freshly grated Parmesan for that dreamy buttery crunch with a savory tang. Season your chicken cutlets or tenders generously with kosher salt and black pepper, then dredge them fully in this mixture. Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken pieces until they develop an even golden-brown crust on both sides. Once cooked, slice the chicken into strips—this makes it easy to nestle on top of your pasta later.
Step 3: Sauté Your Vegetables and Build the Creamy Cajun Sauce
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion, vibrant bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, letting those flavors mingle together. Then sprinkle in your Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring to coat the veggies evenly. Pour in the milk and cream, followed by the room temperature cream cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken. This is where the magic happens—the sauce will be both rich and lively with a smoky Southern flair.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Finish with Parmesan and Chicken
Turn off the heat and fold in the rest of the Parmesan cheese, watching it melt into the sauce for extra cheesiness. Add the cooked pasta right into the sauce, tossing well so every piece is lovingly coated. Plate the creamy pasta, then top generously with your sliced crispy chicken strips. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a bright, herbaceous touch that awakens your senses.
How to Serve Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Keep the garnishing simple but thoughtful—fresh parsley is a must for its burst of color and fresh aroma. For extra flair, a light dusting of additional grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add contrast in flavor and visual appeal. Lemon zest can also brighten the richness if you like a citrusy spark.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp, refreshing side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple garlic bread to sop up every last bit of the creamy sauce. For a Southern twist, consider roasted green beans with a touch of bacon or sautéed collard greens to complement the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta family-style in a deep, rustic bowl that encourages everyone to dig in. For a more elegant approach, plate individual servings with a few sprigs of fresh parsley artistically arranged and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. You could also offer it in mini casserole dishes, broiling the top lightly for a golden crust finish that adds a delightful texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, so be sure to stir in a splash of milk or cream when reheating to refresh that creamy consistency beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers if needed, preferably without the fresh parsley garnish. Place the pasta in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag, pressing out excess air. It will keep well for up to 2 months, though the texture of the pasta may soften slightly after thawing.
Reheating
For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat gently on the stove over low-medium heat, adding a little milk or cream to revive the sauce. Stir often to prevent sticking, and avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can make the pasta tougher and the sauce separate.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?
While Parmesan provides that signature nutty, salty flavor perfect for this recipe, feel free to experiment with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a similar sharpness. Keep in mind these cheeses can be saltier, so adjust seasoning accordingly.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute dairy milk and cream with canned coconut milk, as noted in the ingredients, and use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. The Parmesan cheese can be omitted or replaced by nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost.
What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?
Short cut pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini hold the creamy sauce well and provide a nice bite. Avoid very thin or delicate pastas that might get lost in the thick sauce.
How spicy is the Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe?
The Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth with a hint of kick, but you can easily adjust the spice level to your liking by increasing or reducing these ingredients.
Can I prepare parts of the recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can bread and cook the chicken a few hours ahead or even the day before. Store it separately to keep the crust crispy. The sauce should be made fresh for best results but can be prepared and reheated gently when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to try the Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe because it truly is one of those comforting dishes that warm your soul and impress friends and family alike. The combination of crispy chicken, creamy cheesy sauce, and vibrant Cajun accents is a winning formula that turns any dinner into a special occasion. Dive in and savor every bite—you’ll be glad you did!
