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Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta topped with crispy seasoned chicken, bacon, and fresh parsley in a rich, creamy sauce

Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Description

Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is rich, comforting, and packed with bold Southern flavor. Crispy seasoned chicken is served over tender pasta tossed in a silky Parmesan cream sauce with bacon, garlic, and herbs. Perfect for cozy weeknights or when you want a dinner that feels extra special without extra effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Southern-Seasoned Chicken

  • 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded evenly

  • 2 tsp paprika (smoked preferred)

  • 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 & Creamy Sauce

  • 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta

  • 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

Optional Southern Garnish

  • 2 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

  • 2 green onions, sliced

  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

  • Red pepper flakes, to taste

  • Fresh cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken
    Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken evenly on both sides.

  2. Cook the Chicken
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest 5 minutes, then slice.

  3. Cook the Pasta
    Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.

  4. Make the Roux
    In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

  5. Build the Sauce
    Slowly whisk in heavy cream and milk until smooth. Add Worcestershire sauce and bring to a gentle simmer.

  6. Add the Cheese
    Remove from heat. Whisk in cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add Parmesan cheese.

  7. Finish the Sauce
    Stir in lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  8. Combine
    Add pasta to the sauce, tossing gently. Use reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.

  9. Serve
    Top with sliced chicken, bacon, parsley, green onions, red pepper flakes, and extra Parmesan.

Notes

  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and keeps the sauce smooth.

  • If sauce thickens too much, add pasta water or a splash of milk.

 

  • This dish reheats best over low heat with added cream or milk.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 720 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 980 mg
  • Fat: 42 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 41 g
  • Cholesterol: 165 mg

Find it online: https://chickenmagicrecipes.com/southern-style-creamy-parmesan-chicken-pasta/