Southern Creamy Parmesan Pasta

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.

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

Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.

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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 6–7 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 3–4 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.

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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

Calories: 545, Total Fat: 30 g, Carbohydrates: 39 g, Protein: 33 g

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Create smooth frozen drinks, slushies, and frappés for desserts and parties using juices, coffee, or wine.

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This Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is perfect for a comforting dinner ready quickly with rich flavors guaranteed to impress.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?

Pound the chicken to an even thickness before cooking and let it rest after searing to retain its juices.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Fettuccine or penne work well, but any pasta holding sauce, like rigatoni or linguine, can be used.

→ What is the best way to prevent the sauce from curdling?

Avoid boiling the sauce after adding the Parmesan cheese and stir gently to keep it smooth.

→ How can I adjust the sauce thickness?

Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce gradually until it reaches the desired consistency.

→ Is there a lighter alternative to cream cheese in the sauce?

Substitute with Greek yogurt or use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter texture.