Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comfort food classic that delights the senses and warms the heart. This dish combines tender chicken with al dente pasta, enveloped in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking to impress family at dinner or craving something soul-satisfying after a long day, this incredible recipe delivers. Each bite captures the essence of Southern cooking, creating a dish that is as comforting as it is rich in flavor.
Imagine the creamy sauce coating every strand of pasta while tender pieces of chicken add both protein and heartiness. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a harmonious celebration of taste that pleases even the pickiest eaters. Not only is this recipe delicious, but it is also incredibly straightforward to prepare. So, whether you are a seasoned culinary whiz or a beginner curious about cooking, you’ll find this dish a wonderful addition to your repertoire.
In this guide, we will explore what makes Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta a beloved favorite, learn about the preparation involved, and detail how you can serve this dish to impress your guests. You’ll discover that creating this comfort food classic is not only rewarding but also a delightful experience. Get ready to impress your loved ones with a dish that tastes as good as it looks!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta will quickly become a regular feature in your meal rotation for several compelling reasons:
1. Comfort Food You Crave: The creamy texture and rich flavors provide the ultimate comfort after a hard day’s work.
2. Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples, making this an accessible recipe for any home cook.
3. Quick Preparation: With minimal prep and cook time, you can whip up this dish in less than 30 minutes.
4. Customizable Options: Feel free to adjust the ingredients, adding veggies or swapping chicken for other proteins like shrimp or tofu.
5. Kid-Friendly: The creamy, cheesy combination is sure to please even the pickiest little eaters.
6. Satisfying Servings: This dish is incredibly filling, ensuring that everyone leaves the table happy and satisfied.
With all these appealing aspects, it’s no wonder this recipe is cherished by many. Each serving is an invitation to enjoy good food while creating warm memories with family and friends!
Preparation and Cooking Time
Preparing Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is quick and efficient. Here’s how the time breaks down:
– Preparation Time: 10 minutes
– Cooking Time: 20 minutes
– Total Time: 30 minutes
This easy and quick cooking method makes it ideal for weeknight dinners or last-minute entertaining!
Ingredients
– 8 ounces fettuccine or pasta of your choice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a delicious meal:
1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Create Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Add Cheese: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
6. Combine Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to ensure the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
7. Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
These simple steps will lead you to create a stunning and delicious meal that your family will think you’ve taken hours to prepare!
How to Serve
To elevate your Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta when serving, consider the following tips:
1. Presentation is Key: Serve in a large bowl or on individual plates for an impressive look. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top can enhance the visual appeal.
2. Pair with Sides: Complement the dish with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
3. Beverage Pairing: A light white wine, such as a Chardonnay or a refreshing iced tea, pairs beautifully with this dish.
4. Leftovers: This pasta dish keeps well in the fridge and can be reheated for delicious leftovers. Just add a splash of cream during reheating to restore its velvety texture.
By considering these serving suggestions, you can create a delightful dining experience that everyone will remember. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a special occasion, Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is sure to impress!
Additional Tips
– Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality chicken and creamy dairy will enhance the flavors of your Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
– Don’t Skip the Seasoning: Properly season the chicken and the sauce to bring out the flavors. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste.
– Make it Creamier: If you want an even richer sauce, you can add extra heavy cream or a bit of cream cheese for added creaminess.
Recipe Variation
There are countless ways to make this dish your own! Here are some variations worth trying:
1. Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a mix of your favorite vegetables for a vegetarian version.
2. Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy twist.
3. Herb-infused Sauce: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme for an added layer of flavor.
4. Lemon Zest: A touch of lemon zest can brighten the dish, adding a refreshing citrus note.
Freezing and Storage
– Storage: Keep any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Store in an airtight container, and when ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly on the stove.
Special Equipment
You won’t need much to prepare this dish, but here are some tools that can make the process easier:
– Large pot for boiling pasta
– Large skillet or frying pan for making the sauce
– Whisk for blending the sauce
– Tongs or a pasta scoop for mixing the pasta and sauce
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like! Penne, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta are great alternatives.
→ What if I don’t have chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, water can work too. You might want to increase the seasoning for added flavor.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce a few hours before serving. Just cook the pasta fresh before serving to keep it from becoming mushy.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute traditional pasta with gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-intolerant diners.
Conclusion
Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delightful blend of flavors, comfort, and satisfaction. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is sure to become a cherished favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this recipe will leave your guests in awe and craving for more.
Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
– 8 ounces fettuccine or pasta of your choice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Creating Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a delicious meal:
1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Create Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Add Cheese: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
6. Combine Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to ensure the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
7. Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
These simple steps will lead you to create a stunning and delicious meal that your family will think you’ve taken hours to prepare!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 30g
