If you’re yearning for a dish that wraps you in a blanket of creamy comfort while tantalizing your taste buds with a touch of Cajun spice, then this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is your dream come true! With every bite, you’ll experience the delectable harmony of tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a luscious, savory sauce — the perfect recipe to share with your nearest and dearest.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just 30 minutes, you get an impressive meal on the table, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Bomb: Each bite is packed with the robust flavors of Cajun spices and creamy parmesan.
- Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe with your favorite vegetables or proteins to suit your family’s tastes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish serves eight, making it ideal for gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t need a ton of fancy ingredients to create this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Each element is thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best flavors and textures, from the crisp-tender vegetables to the creamy, dreamy sauce. Let’s take a look at the essentials:
- Chicken cutlets or tenders: These make the dish protein-packed and juicy, giving it a satisfying bite.
- Panko: Adds a crunchy coating to the chicken, soaking up those delightful flavors.
- Grated parmesan: Intensely cheesy and savory, it’s the star of our creamy sauce.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Provides a rich mouthfeel and helps cook all the ingredients evenly.
- Short cut pasta: Perfect for capturing all that luscious sauce in every bite.
- Yellow onion, bell peppers, garlic: These aromatics make the base flavorful and colorful.
- Cajun seasoning: Brings in the characteristic Southern heat and zest.
- Milk, heavy cream, cream cheese: Creates an ultra-creamy sauce that’s simply irresistible.
- Fresh parsley: Gives a fresh touch and lovely color contrast to the finished dish.
Variations
This Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is wonderfully adaptable, and it encourages a touch of culinary creativity. Whether you’re looking to tweak the flavor profile or adjust it for dietary preferences, there are plenty of options.
- Shrimp Swap: Trade the chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist that’s equally delicious with a pop of Cajun spice.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and load up with extra veggies like zucchini and mushrooms to make it veggie-friendly.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to your preferred heat level.
How to Make Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain it thoroughly and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the components. This ensures the pasta maintains its delightful texture, ready to soak up the creamy sauce later on.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
While your pasta is cooking, set up a dredging station with Panko breadcrumbs and a half-cup of grated parmesan. Press each chicken piece firmly into this mixture to coat it thoroughly. This crispy crust forms a tasty contrast to the creamy pasta, ensuring each bite is a textural delight.
Step 3: Cook the Sauce
In a separate pan, heat a bit of olive oil and begin by sautéing the onion until it becomes soft and fragrant. Introduce the chopped bell peppers and garlic, letting them sauté to a fragrant, tender state. Stir in the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes, then pour in the milk and cream, followed by cream cheese. Whisk until smooth and let the sauce gently simmer to thicken.
Step 4: Sauté the Chicken
Heat more olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the breaded chicken pieces in the pan and cook until they achieve a golden-brown crispness on each side. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a cutting board, season, and slice it into tender strips.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Incorporate the parmesan into the sauce, give it a good stir, and toss in the cooked pasta. Allow this to combine thoroughly for a few minutes. Serve by spooning the savory pasta onto plates, artistically topping each serving with the crispy chicken. The result is a visual feast that tantalizes both the eyes and the taste buds.
Pro Tips for Making Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Optimal Crispiness: Firmly press the Panko onto the chicken to ensure maximum crunchiness.
- Simmer Gently: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent the dairy from curdling, ensuring a smooth, rich consistency.
- Herb Enhancement: Add fresh parsley right before serving for a burst of freshness and a pop of color.
- Preheating Pan: Make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken; a hot pan will give you a beautifully seared crust.
How to Serve Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and a dash of chopped fresh parsley over the top of your Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta to enhance the flavors and color, giving the dish that extra touch of culinary elegance.
Side Dishes
Serve your creamy pasta alongside a crisp green salad or a side of garlic bread to balance the rich creaminess with some fresh and crunchy elements, rounding out your meal to perfection.
Creative Ways to Present
For a beautiful presentation, consider serving the pasta in a shallow bowl with the chicken artfully fanned on top. Add a fresh basil leaf or edible flowers as a finishing touch to delight both the eyes and the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce may thicken upon refrigeration, but fear not, as a splash of milk when reheating will do the trick to loosen it up once more.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze portions of the Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Ensure it’s completely cool before freezing in a suitable container. It will keep well for about a month.
Reheating
To reheat, consider using the stovetop over low heat, adding a little milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Stir gently and heat until warmed through, being careful not to overcook the chicken strips.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While short cut pasta like penne or fusilli captures the sauce beautifully, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes or even whole grain pasta for added nutritional benefits.
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Is there a non-dairy alternative to the cream?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with canned coconut milk or an unsweetened non-dairy cream alternative. This tweak makes it friendly for vegan or lactose-intolerant diets.
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How can I add more vegetables?
You can easily increase the vegetable content by adding zucchini, spinach, or even mushrooms to the sauté with bell peppers and onions, resulting in a heartier dish.
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What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
Simply incorporate a little more milk or broth until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency, ensuring it remains smooth and velvety.
Final Thoughts
Nothing brings more joy than a comforting plate of Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta shared with family and friends. Its creamy depth and robust Cajun notes are sure to make it a household favorite. Don’t hesitate to give it a try and enjoy the happiness it brings to your dining table!
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Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
A rich and flavorful Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta combines crispy breaded chicken tenders with a creamy, spicy Cajun sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and topped with fresh parsley for a satisfying foray into comfort food with a touch of spice.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken cutlets or tenders
Breading
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking Oil and Seasonings
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- 3-4 tsp Cajun seasoning
- Crushed red pepper flakes to taste
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 lb short cut pasta
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
Sauces and Cheese
- 2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or canned coconut milk
- 2 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the short cut pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine Panko breadcrumbs and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Dredge each chicken tender or cutlet in the mixture, pressing down to adhere well. Set aside on a plate.
- Make the Sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in chopped bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes until tender. Add minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in milk and heavy cream, then add cream cheese. Whisk until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-8 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Cook the Chicken: In a separate large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add breaded chicken and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and transfer to a cutting board. Season with a pinch of salt, then slice into thin strips.
- Combine and Finish: Stir grated Parmesan into the sauce. Add cooked pasta, toss well, and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and mix in chopped parsley.
- Serve: Divide the pasta onto plates, top with sliced chicken, and garnish with additional parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is pounded firmly into the breadcrumb mixture for maximum crunch.
- You can substitute coconut milk for a dairy-free version, but adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- Adjust the spice level with the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
- This dish pairs well with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (~400g)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 63 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
