Get ready to fall in love with a bowl of pure comfort: this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is where scrumptious meets soul food tradition. Imagine tender Cajun-spiced chicken mingling with vibrant bell peppers, all bundled together in a luscious parmesan cream sauce that clings to every penne noodle. With just enough spice to keep you coming back for one more bite, this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta delivers cozy weeknight dinner vibes with a dash of Southern flair, making it perfect for sharing with family or impressing guests. Each ingredient is chosen for maximum flavor, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly this dish comes together in your own kitchen!

Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta comes from a balance of simple, familiar ingredients that work together to create something truly special. Every component brings flavor, color, or texture to the table—so use the best you can find!

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless pieces keep things juicy and perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
Cajun seasoning: The heart of the dish, bringing that signature Southern warmth and a gentle kick.
Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken beautifully and adds a touch of richness.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and bold flavor.
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce—don’t skip it!
Red bell pepper: For a pop of color, crunch, and mellow sweetness in every bite.
Heavy cream: The secret to that silky, dreamy sauce; go full-fat for ultimate creaminess.
Chicken broth: Adds flavor and lightness, making the sauce just the right consistency.
Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh, it melts beautifully and brings savory depth to the dish.
Penne pasta: Tubular shapes catch all that luscious sauce—substitute with your favorite shape if desired.
Butter: Rounds out the sauce and helps the vegetables shine.
Salt and black pepper: For seasoning, adjust to your taste preference.
Chopped fresh parsley: The classic garnish, adding freshness and a burst of color.

How to Make Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add your penne pasta and cook it just until al dente, following the package directions so it retains a pleasant bite when tossed with the sauce. Don’t forget to set aside a half cup of the pasta water—it’s liquid gold that will help your final dish reach the perfect creamy consistency.

Step 2: Season and Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, toss your bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning to coat them evenly. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Working in batches if needed, sauté the chicken for five to six minutes, letting each piece develop a golden-brown crust and cook all the way through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet (don’t clean it—the browned bits are full of flavor!), melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing for two to three minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in the sliced red bell pepper and cook another couple of minutes, letting the veggies sweeten and brighten up.

Step 4: Create the Parmesan Cream Sauce

Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet with your veggies, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce transforms into a velvety, cheesy dream. Adjust the consistency with a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained penne pasta. Use tongs or a spatula to toss everything together, making sure each piece is coated in that rich, creamy sauce. Taste and season with salt and black pepper to your liking. If you want the sauce silkier, add a bit more of the reserved pasta water.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, scatter a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley over the top of your Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta. The bright green not only adds a touch of elegance, but also a fresh flavor note that wakes up the whole dish.

How to Serve Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley is the finishing touch, but consider adding shavings of Parmesan or even a few thinly sliced green onions for more flair. If you love a bit of heat, a dash of extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of crushed red pepper can wake up the Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta even further.

Side Dishes

This rich pasta loves to be accompanied by something lighter and fresh, like a crisp garden salad or steamed green beans. For a true Southern meal, serve it up with warm cornbread, which pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and bold flavors of your Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style presentation, nestle the pasta in a big serving dish with parsley sprinkled over the top. Want to impress? Twirl individual portions onto plates using tongs for a restaurant-style look, then finish with a flourish of Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil. For parties, portion the Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta into small bowls or cups for an elegant touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce will thicken as it chills, but a splash of milk or broth stirred in when reheating brings it right back to creamy perfection.

Freezing

While pasta dishes with cream sauces can be a little tricky to freeze, this one holds up surprisingly well. Let the dish cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta to a skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring gently and adding a splash of milk, broth, or extra cream as needed to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too—heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure it warms through evenly and stays creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Penne is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce, but rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti work beautifully. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand.

Is there a way to make this less spicy?

Of course—just use a bit less Cajun seasoning, or go for a mild version if you’re sensitive to heat. You can always add extra at the table for those who love spice.

What protein substitutions work well?

Try swapping chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even chunks of andouille sausage for a smokier Southern kick. Vegetarian? Use sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower for a hearty, satisfying twist on Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

Can I make this dish gluten free?

Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free penne, and double-check that your Cajun seasoning and chicken broth are gluten free as well. The creamy, comforting flavors will still shine.

How do I keep the sauce from separating?

Make sure you add the cream and Parmesan over low heat, and stir constantly while the cheese melts. Adding reserved pasta water helps emulsify the sauce so it stays creamy and luscious on your Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort food with a Southern twist, you can’t beat this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Give it a try, make it your own, and share it with the people you love—the smiles around the table will say it all!

Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This indulgent dish combines tender chicken, Cajun spices, and a velvety Parmesan sauce for a satisfying meal that will please the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces penne pasta
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
Season and Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil and cook chicken for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through; remove and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter, garlic, and onion; sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth; bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the skillet along with pasta; toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired sauce consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley before serving.