Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta: A Comforting Classic With A Twist

There’s something truly magical about a good pasta dish. The way the sauce clings to each strand, the tender bites of protein, and that perfect balance of flavors that makes you close your eyes with each forkful. Today, I’m sharing one of my absolute favorites – a Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta that combines classic comfort food with a touch of Southern hospitality.

I discovered this recipe during a summer visit to my cousin in Georgia. After a long day exploring local farms, she whipped up this magnificent dish that had me literally scraping the plate clean. It’s become my go-to whenever I need something hearty, comforting, and guaranteed to impress dinner guests.

What makes this pasta truly “Southern style” is the combination of bold seasonings, the touch of heat from cajun spices, and that incredible creamy sauce that’s reminiscent of the rich, indulgent flavors the South is known for. Trust me when I say this isn’t your average chicken pasta – it’s an experience, and one I’m thrilled to share with you.

What You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 1 pound fettuccine pasta (or penne if you prefer)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to your heat preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Additional grated Parmesan cheese
• Sliced green onions
• Cherry tomatoes, halved

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and beginning to bubble.
3. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You might need to cook it in batches.
4. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
5. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Cooking the Pasta

While preparing the chicken, you can multitask by getting your pasta ready:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt (about 1 tablespoon per pound of pasta).
2. Add the fettuccine to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes.
3. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining (this starchy water can help thin your sauce if needed).
4. Drain the pasta but do not rinse it – the starch helps the sauce adhere better.

Making the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

1. In the same skillet used for the chicken (don’t clean it!), melt the 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and become translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Add the diced bell peppers and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the mushrooms have released their moisture.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
6. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
7. Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
8. Once simmering, add the cream cheese in small chunks, stirring until it’s completely melted and incorporated.
9. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and the sauce is smooth.
10. Season with Cajun seasoning, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
11. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Bringing It All Together

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce and stir to combine.
2. Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce. Using tongs or two large spoons, gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with sauce and the chicken is distributed throughout.
3. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Allow everything to simmer together for 2-3 minutes so the pasta can absorb some of the sauce and the flavors can meld.
5. Taste once more and adjust seasonings if necessary.

Serving Suggestions

This Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is truly a meal in itself, but here are some perfect accompaniments to round out your dinner:

• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the pasta
• Garlic bread or buttery Texas toast for sopping up every last drop of that incredible sauce
• Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans
• A refreshing glass of sweet tea or lemonade, classic Southern beverages
• Sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon for a light, bubbly contrast

To serve, transfer the pasta to a large serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, additional Parmesan cheese, sliced green onions, and halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and freshness.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the beauties of this dish is how well it works for meal prep and leftovers. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Make-Ahead Options:

• Prepare the chicken up to a day ahead and refrigerate it
• Chop all vegetables and store them in the refrigerator
• Cook the pasta, toss it with a little olive oil, and refrigerate
• The complete dish can be assembled up to 2 hours before serving and kept warm in a low oven (200°F)

Storage and Reheating:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• For best results when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce
• Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally
• Microwave reheating: Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each

Freezing:

While cream-based pastas aren’t ideal for freezing, you can freeze portions for up to 1 month. The sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but whisking it while reheating can help restore its consistency.

Variations and Customizations

The beauty of this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is its versatility. Here are some delicious ways to make it your own:

Protein Swaps:

• Substitute the chicken with large shrimp for a seafood twist
• Use sliced smoked sausage or andouille for an even more Southern flair
• Try leftover rotisserie chicken to save time
• Add blackened or cajun-spiced tofu for a vegetarian option

Vegetable Mix-Ins:

• Stir in baby spinach or kale during the final minute of cooking
• Add roasted corn kernels for sweetness and texture
• Mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy flavor boost
• Incorporate artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean touch

Spice Adjustments:

• Increase the cayenne pepper for a fiery version
• Add a dash of hot sauce to the finished dish
• Use a Creole seasoning blend instead of Cajun for a different flavor profile
• Mix in a teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning for a unique twist

Pasta Options:

• Try penne, rigatoni, or bow ties if you prefer shaped pasta
• Use chickpea or lentil pasta for added protein and fiber
• Substitute half the pasta with zucchini noodles for a lighter option

Nutrition Information

Understanding the nutritional content of what we eat is important for making informed choices. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta (per serving, approximately 1/6 of the recipe):

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

This dish is undoubtedly indulgent and makes for a wonderful treat meal. If you’re looking to lighten it up:

• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
• Reduce the amount of butter
• Increase the vegetables and decrease the pasta portion
• Choose a leaner protein option like turkey breast

Why This Recipe Works

I’ve made this pasta countless times over the years, and I’ve discovered a few secrets that really make it shine:

1. Seasoning the chicken separately: This ensures that every bite of protein is flavorful, not just the sauce.
2. Using the same pan throughout: Cooking the sauce in the same skillet where you cooked the chicken allows you to incorporate all those flavorful browned bits (what chefs call “fond”) into your sauce.
3. The power of Parmesan: Using freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated makes a tremendous difference in how smoothly the cheese melts into the sauce.
4. Balancing the creaminess: The acidity from the bell peppers and the slight heat from the Cajun seasoning cut through the richness of the cream and cheese, creating a perfectly balanced dish.
5. Multiple textures: The combination of tender pasta, juicy chicken, and slightly firm vegetables provides a satisfying textural contrast in each forkful.

This recipe strikes that perfect balance between sophisticated flavor and comforting simplicity. It’s impressive enough for company but straightforward enough for a weeknight family dinner.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Can I make this dish with a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

A: Absolutely! While heavy cream provides the richest texture, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk mixed with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (mixed into a slurry first). The sauce won’t be quite as thick and luxurious, but it will still be delicious.

Q: My sauce broke and looks grainy. What happened?

A: This typically happens when cheese is added to a sauce that’s too hot or when it’s heated too quickly. To fix it, remove from heat, add a splash of cold cream while whisking vigorously. To prevent this, ensure your sauce is just simmering (not boiling) when adding cheese, and always add it gradually while stirring constantly.

Q: Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

A: Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for thickening the sauce. Make sure your Cajun seasoning is also gluten-free, as some commercial blends contain additives with gluten.

Q: How spicy is this dish?

A: As written, the recipe has a mild to medium heat level. The spice comes primarily from the Cajun seasoning and optional cayenne pepper. You can easily adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing these ingredients based on your preference.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead for a dinner party?

A: Yes, but with some precautions. For best results, prepare the components separately: cook the chicken and make the sauce, then refrigerate them. Cook the pasta just before serving, then reheat the sauce, add the chicken, and toss with the fresh pasta. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much sauce and becoming mushy.

Q: What’s the best type of pan to use for this recipe?

A: A large, deep skillet or a Dutch oven works best. Cast iron is excellent for getting a good sear on the chicken and conducts heat evenly for the sauce. However, any large, heavy-bottomed pan will work well.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about dishes that combine simplicity with spectacular flavor, and this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta does exactly that. I love how it brings together classic comfort food elements with distinctive Southern flair.

What I appreciate most about this recipe is its adaptability. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, trying to impress dinner guests, or just looking to treat yourself to something indulgent after a long day, this pasta delivers every single time.

The rich, velvety sauce coating each strand of pasta, the juicy, well-seasoned chicken, and the perfectly cooked vegetables create a symphony of flavors and textures that make this dish unforgettable. It’s become my signature dish for good reason!

I encourage you to make this recipe your own. Play with the seasonings, try different vegetables, or experiment with various pasta shapes. The framework is solid, but there’s always room for your personal touch.

Food is about nourishment, but it’s also about connection and joy. I hope this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta brings as much happiness to your table as it has to mine over the years. Happy cooking!