Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

If there’s one dish that can turn a regular weeknight into a sit-down-and-sigh kind of dinner, it’s Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta. You know the kind—where everyone suddenly shows up in the kitchen asking, “What smells so good?”

This recipe is rich, cozy, and unapologetically comforting, yet still doable on a busy evening when life feels like it’s moving a little too fast. Between work, family, and that never-ending to-do list, we all need a dinner that feels special without requiring a culinary degree. That’s exactly why this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta has earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation.

With tender, Southern-spiced chicken, a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, and pasta that hugs every drop of flavor, this dish checks all the boxes: satisfying, family-friendly, and just fancy enough to feel like a treat.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Comfort Food That Feels Like a Warm Hug
  Rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying, this dish delivers that cozy, sit-back-and-exhale feeling we all crave at the end of a long day.
• Southern Flavor in Every Bite
  The perfectly seasoned chicken brings just the right balance of warmth and spice, giving this pasta that unmistakable Southern soul without overpowering the creamy sauce.
• Luxuriously Creamy, Not Heavy
  Thanks to the blend of Parmesan, cream cheese, and a splash of lemon, the sauce is silky and indulgent while still feeling balanced and crave-worthy.
• Weeknight-Friendly, Company-Worthy
  Easy enough for a busy Tuesday night, yet impressive enough to serve when guests are coming over and you want something that feels special.
• Family-Approved and Picky-Eater Safe
  Creamy pasta, tender chicken, and familiar flavors make this a guaranteed hit with kids, partners, and anyone who claims they’re “not that hungry.”

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Southern-Seasoned Chicken

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Pounded evenly so they cook perfectly.
• Paprika (smoked if possible) – Adds warmth and subtle smokiness.
• Garlic powder & onion powder – Kitchen staples that never let you down.
• Dried thyme – A classic Southern herb that brings balance.
• Cayenne pepper – Adjustable heat, because everyone’s spice tolerance is different.
• Salt & black pepper – Flavor builders, plain and simple.
• Olive oil – For that golden, skillet-seared finish.

For the Pasta and Creamy Sauce

• Fettuccine or penne pasta – Shapes that hold onto sauce like they mean it.
• Butter & flour – The base of a silky roux.
• Fresh garlic – Non-negotiable here. Fresh really makes a difference.
• Heavy cream & whole milk – The dream team for richness without heaviness.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Please skip the green can. Fresh melts beautifully.
• Cream cheese – The secret Southern touch that makes the sauce extra luscious.
• Lemon juice – Brightens everything up.
• Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth you can’t quite put your finger on (but you’d miss it if it wasn’t there).

For That Southern Flair

• Crispy bacon (optional but highly encouraged)
• Green onions
• Fresh parsley
• Red pepper flakes & cracked black pepper

Refer to the recipe card below for exact ingredient measurements and full nutritional information.

How to Make Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

1. Prep That Southern-Spiced Chicken

Start by pounding the chicken breasts to about ¾-inch thickness. This step is small but mighty—it helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy.

Mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Coat the chicken generously on both sides, pressing the seasoning in like you mean it. This is where the flavor magic starts.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F is your target).

Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. And don’t you dare wash that pan—those browned bits are pure gold.

3. Get the Pasta Going

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions, but stop one minute early. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

4. Build the Creamy Southern Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. You’re building the foundation for a smooth sauce here.

Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and milk, keeping things lump-free. Add the Worcestershire sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Remove from heat and whisk in the softened cream cheese until smooth. Then gradually add the Parmesan, whisking the whole time. Patience pays off here.

5. Bring It All Together

Stir in the lemon juice and taste. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss gently, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce is silky and coats every noodle.

Nestle the sliced chicken back into the pasta or lay it right on top. The warmth will bring everything together beautifully.

Southern-Style Finishing Touches

This is where you can have a little fun.

Sprinkle with crispy bacon if you’re using it (I usually am ). Add green onions, fresh parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Finish with cracked black pepper and extra Parmesan.

Serve immediately, while it’s hot, creamy, and downright irresistible.

Helpful Tips for Creamy Pasta Success

• Grate your own Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt the same way.
• Low and slow with cheese. High heat can make sauces grainy.
• Save that pasta water. It’s liquid gold for adjusting consistency.
• Don’t stress. If the sauce looks a little thick, a splash of milk fixes everything.

Cooking should feel forgiving, not fussy.

A Little Personal Note from My Kitchen

This Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta became my go-to after one hectic week when I needed comfort food that didn’t come from a drive-thru. My family scraped their plates clean—and asked for it again two days later. That’s how I knew this one was a keeper.

It’s now my reliable “everyone’s happy” dinner, whether it’s a Sunday night or a last-minute weeknight scramble.

FAQs About Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Let’s Talk Comfort Food

There’s just something special about Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta. It’s rich without being heavy, comforting without being boring, and indulgent without feeling over-the-top. It’s the kind of recipe that earns compliments, requests, and maybe even a little silence at the table while everyone enjoys that first bite.

So the next time you’re craving something cozy, flavorful, and guaranteed to please, let this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta work its magic. From my kitchen to yours—happy cooking and even happier eating.

More Cozy Dinners to Try Next

• Craving another creamy, Southern-inspired comfort meal? You’ll absolutely love Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup, where bold spices meet rich Parmesan flavor in a warm, spoonable dinner that feels like pure comfort.
• Want an easy baked option that still feels special? Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce delivers juicy chicken smothered in a velvety sauce—perfect for nights when you want something cozy without standing over the stove.
• Looking to keep pasta night exciting? Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is packed with garlic, Parmesan, and rich flavors that make it a natural next step after this Southern favorite.
• Need a hands-off dinner for busy days? Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a lifesaver—set it, forget it, and come back to a creamy, comforting meal everyone will rush to the table for.

If you try this Recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a quick review and tap those stars below—your feedback helps other home cooks and truly means the world to me.

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