Irresistible Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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There’s something magical about Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta that makes even the grumpiest of folks crack a smile. Imagine tender chicken, perfectly coated in a rich and creamy sauce that has just the right amount of parmesan to make your taste buds dance. The aromas wafting through your kitchen will have everyone in the house wandering in, asking when dinner is served.

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This dish doesn’t just fill your belly; it wraps you in a warm, comforting hug after a long day. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a last-minute gathering with friends, this recipe has the power to turn an ordinary evening into a delightful culinary experience. Get ready for creamy goodness that promises to impress everyone at your table!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Prepare this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta quickly with minimal fuss while still delivering bold flavors
  • The stunning visuals of this dish will have everyone reaching for their phones to snap a picture
  • Customize it by adding seasonal vegetables or swapping proteins based on what you have available
  • Perfect for weeknight dinners but elegant enough for special occasions!

I remember the first time I made this dish; my family couldn’t stop raving about it! They were practically licking their plates clean, and I knew I had struck culinary gold.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.

  • Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; they pack that aromatic punch we all love.

  • Heavy Cream: Full-fat cream gives the sauce its luxurious texture; don’t skimp here if you want maximum creaminess!

  • Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds depth and richness; freshly grated cheese melts beautifully into the sauce.

  • Pasta (Fettuccine or Penne): Use your favorite pasta shape; it should hold onto that creamy sauce like it was meant to be.

  • Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth enhances flavor without overwhelming saltiness—perfect for balancing all those rich ingredients.

  • Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps brown the chicken and infuse flavor into every bite.

  • Seasonings (Salt & Pepper): Simple yet essential—it’s important to season thoughtfully at each stage!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

How to Make Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and chop the garlic finely. This step sets you up for success and keeps things organized as you cook.

Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add seasoned chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes each side.

Add Garlic: Once the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside, add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds—it’ll smell heavenly.

Create the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy; feel free to taste-test for seasoning!

Cook Your Pasta: While your sauce simmers away, boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Don’t forget to save a cup of pasta water before draining!

Combine Everything: Toss cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Mix well until every noodle is coated; add reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.

And there you have it—Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta ready to serve! Enjoy with some crusty bread and maybe even a side salad if you’re feeling fancy!

You Must Know

  • This Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a crowd-pleaser
  • The creamy sauce, infused with garlic and Parmesan, creates an aromatic delight
  • This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken until golden brown. While it rests, cook your pasta and prepare the creamy sauce to ensure everything stays warm and flavorful.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition. Spice things up with a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream to revive the sauce’s consistency.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For optimal flavor, season your chicken liberally before cooking to build depth
  • Cook pasta al dente to maintain its texture in the dish
  • Always taste the sauce before serving; adjust seasoning as needed for perfection

Sharing this dish with friends led to a memorable evening filled with laughter and compliments—a true testament to how cooking can bring people together.

FAQ

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta substitutes available at most grocery stores.

How can I make the sauce dairy-free?

Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a delicious dairy-free version.

What can I serve alongside this pasta?

Pair it with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread for an excellent meal combination.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta


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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta, a dish that elevates any meal into a delightful experience. This easy-to-make recipe features tender chicken enveloped in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, paired with your favorite pasta. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this comforting dish promises to impress and satisfy!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare all ingredients and finely chop the garlic.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.
  3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth; bring to a simmer. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  5. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  6. Toss cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Mix well, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 330g)
  • Calories: 580
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 19g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 29g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg

 

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