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
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.
Notes
- For an extra Southern flair, add cooked crumbled bacon or andouille sausage.
- This dish pairs well with cornbread or a fresh garden salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern-American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
