Pin it 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 first served this cozy chicken stew and loved how quick and comforting it was for the whole family.
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.
Pin it Sharing this dish always brings smiles during our cozy family dinners.
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 it This creamy Parmesan chicken pasta brings comfort and flavor together beautifully every time.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep the chicken tender and juicy?
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and let them rest after cooking to retain moisture before slicing.
- → What’s the best way to avoid a curdled sauce?
Use freshly grated parmesan and avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cheese to maintain its smooth texture.
- → Can I adjust the sauce consistency?
Yes, reserve some pasta water and add it gradually to thin the sauce to your preferred thickness.
- → What pasta types work well with this sauce?
Fettuccine or penne are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce nicely, but feel free to use your favorite type.
- → How can I add extra flavor without overpowering the dish?
Use garnishes like crispy bacon, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to enhance taste subtly.
- → Is there a lighter alternative for the cream sauce?
You can substitute half-and-half for cream or replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.