Crave-Worthy Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

There’s something magical about Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Imagine a velvety sauce that hugs each piece of pasta like an old friend, while tender chicken pieces dance among vibrant veggies. Cream Cheese Chicken Bake The aroma wafts through the kitchen, teasing your taste buds and making your stomach grumble in anticipation.

This recipe isn’t just food; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly evening, a centerpiece for gatherings, and a comfort food classic that brings everyone together. Think cozy nights in or weekend family dinners—you’re going to want to whip this up time and time again. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Mashed Potatoes recipe.

I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends practically licked their plates clean and begged for seconds.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use 3-4 breasts for a hearty meal; ensure they are fresh for best flavor. Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites.

• Pasta (Fettuccine or Penne): Opt for your favorite type; fresh pasta can elevate the dish further.

• Heavy Cream: This is key to achieving that luscious sauce—don’t skimp on the creaminess!

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and adds superior flavor compared to pre-grated options.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will infuse the dish with aromatic goodness—use plenty!

• Vegetables (Spinach and Bell Peppers): Choose vibrant colors to enhance both nutrition and visual appeal.

• Olive Oil: A drizzle helps sauté the chicken and veggies, adding depth to the overall flavor profile. Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all other ingredients; season as you go for best results.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Sautéing the Chicken: Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in the skillet. Cook until they’re golden brown on both sides—about 6-7 minutes per side should do it.

Add Garlic and Veggies: Once your chicken is beautifully browned, toss in minced garlic along with sliced bell peppers. Sauté until fragrant and colorful—this usually takes around 3-4 minutes.

Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream while stirring gently to incorporate all those tasty bits from the pan. Let it simmer slightly until it thickens—this should take about 5 minutes, so keep an eye on it!

Mix in Pasta and Cheese: Add cooked pasta of your choice into the skillet along with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well coated—the creamy sauce should cling lovingly to each noodle.

Add Spinach Last Minute: Finally, fold in fresh spinach right before serving. It wilts quickly and adds a lovely green touch without losing its vibrant color.

Serve Hot!: Plate your Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta while it’s hot! Garnish with extra cheese or freshly cracked pepper if you like—a meal this beautiful deserves some flair!

Enjoy each bite of this wholesome dish; it’s bound to make you smile just as much as it did for me!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy sauce. This sequence ensures everything finishes simultaneously and maintains optimal flavors. For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or add vegetables like spinach or broccoli. Honey Glazed Chicken Experimenting with different cheeses can also elevate this dish’s flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on low heat to preserve creaminess.

Sharing a meal featuring this creamy pasta brought my family together, sparking laughter and stories around the table that I’ll cherish forever.

FAQ

Can I use whole wheat pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds a nutty flavor and is a healthier option.

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

Try using Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes well; just reheat slowly after thawing to keep it creamy.

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Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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• Author: Jessica
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a rich, creamy sauce that envelops your favorite pasta. Perfect for cozy evenings or family gatherings, this comfort food classic is not only easy to prepare but also visually stunning, making it a crowd-pleaser. Each bite bursts with flavor, leaving everyone asking for more.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs total)
• 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups spinach (fresh)
• 1 bell pepper (sliced)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown.
2. Add minced garlic and sliced bell pepper to the skillet; sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream; stir gently and let simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
4. Add cooked pasta and freshly grated Parmesan cheese; mix well to coat all ingredients.
5. Fold in fresh spinach right before serving; plate while hot and garnish if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 360g)
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 33g
• Cholesterol: 110mg