Pin this Tender, Southern-spiced chicken crowns rich, silky parmesan cream sauce tossed with pasta for a true comfort classic with Italian flair ready in just 30 minutes.
I have enjoyed making this creamy parmesan chicken pasta many times with my family it always brings comfort and smiles.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded to ¾-inch thickness), 2 tsp smoked paprika, 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: 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- Sauce: 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
- Garnish: 2 strips bacon cooked and crumbled (optional), 2 green onions sliced, ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped, Red pepper flakes (to taste), Fresh cracked black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Place chicken breasts between sheets of plastic wrap and pound to ¾-inch thickness for even cooking.
- Step 2:
- In a small bowl combine paprika garlic powder onion powder thyme cayenne salt and black pepper.
- Step 3:
- Season both sides of the chicken thoroughly with the spice mixture.
- Step 4:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat Cook chicken for 67 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through Transfer to a plate let rest 5 minutes then slice into strips Reserve skillet drippings.
- Step 5:
- Meanwhile bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente Reserve 1 cup pasta water then drain.
- Step 6:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat melt butter Add minced garlic sauté 1 minute Whisk in flour and cook 2 minutes stirring constantly to form a light roux.
- Step 7:
- Gradually whisk in heavy cream and milk Add Worcestershire sauce Simmer whisking until slightly thickened (about 34 minutes).
- Step 8:
- Remove pan from heat Whisk in cream cheese until fully smooth Add Parmesan cheese in batches stirring until melted and sauce is velvety.
- Step 9:
- Stir in lemon juice Season with additional salt and pepper to taste Thin sauce with reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Step 10:
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce to coat evenly.
- Step 11:
- Arrange sliced chicken over pasta or mix in Reheat gently if needed.
- Step 12:
- Top with bacon (if using) green onions parsley red pepper flakes and extra cracked black pepper Serve hot with additional Parmesan if desired.
Pin this This recipe always creates warm family moments from tasty dinners to lively conversations around the table.
Required Tools
Large skillet Large pot Medium saucepan Meat mallet Whisk Tongs Cheese grater Colander
Allergen Information
Contains Milk/Dairy (cream milk Parmesan cream cheese butter) Wheat/Gluten (pasta flour) Bacon may contain sulfites Individuals with allergies should double-check all ingredient labels
Nutritional Information
Calories 545 Total Fat 30 g Carbohydrates 39 g Protein 33 g per serving
Pin this This creamy parmesan chicken pasta is a quick flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you keep the chicken juicy?
Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures uniform cooking, and letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking traps the juices for tender, moist results.
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, fettuccine or penne work well to hold the creamy sauce, but other shapes like rigatoni or linguine can also be used depending on your preference.
- → What is the purpose of reserved pasta water?
Reserved pasta water contains starch that helps thin and bind the sauce, creating a smooth and luscious coating on the pasta.
- → How is the creamy parmesan sauce made smooth?
The sauce begins with a butter and garlic roux, then is gradually combined with cream, milk, and softened cream cheese. Whisking in freshly grated Parmesan off heat prevents curdling and ensures a silky texture.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, the added cayenne pepper and smoked paprika can be tailored to heat preference. Reduce or omit cayenne for milder flavor.
- → Is it necessary to use both cream and milk?
Combining cream and milk balances richness and texture, but you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce if desired.