Save 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.
This creamy Parmesan chicken pasta quickly became a family favorite thanks to its rich flavor and easy preparation.
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 6 7 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 3 4 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.
Save Sharing this pasta with my family around the dinner table always brings smiles and leftovers are eagerly requested.
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
Save This dish can be customized easily with different spices or garnishes for your own signature comfort meal.
Kitchen Help
- → What cut of chicken works best for this dish?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded to uniform thickness ensure even cooking and a tender texture.
- → How can I prevent the parmesan sauce from curdling?
Use freshly grated Parmesan and avoid boiling the sauce after adding cheese to maintain smooth texture.
- → Can I adjust the spiciness level?
The cayenne pepper amount can be modified according to taste, allowing a mild or spicier flavor profile.
- → What pasta types complement this dish well?
Fettuccine or penne pasta work perfectly, holding onto the creamy sauce for balanced bites.
- → Is there a lighter option for the creamy sauce?
Substituting half-and-half for cream or Greek yogurt for cream cheese can reduce richness while keeping creaminess.