If you’re a fan of cozy comfort food that feels like home in every bite, then you’re about to fall head over heels for Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This dish is everything you love about down-home Southern cooking, but with a little Italian twist! You’ll get juicy seasoned chicken, luscious creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta—all brought together by the unbeatable depth of fresh Parmesan. Trust me, this is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on regular rotation.

Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to harmonize with the others, creating a dish that’s as flavorful as it is easy to make. Even just glancing at the list below, you’ll recognize how every element brings a specific note to the table—whether it’s creaminess, tang, or a spark of vibrant color.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the protein star, turning juicy and tender when cooked properly.
Salt & black pepper: The essentials for seasoning, bringing out the best in your chicken and sauce.
Paprika: Adds a gentle warmth and that lovely Southern color to the chicken.
Olive oil: For searing the chicken to golden, flavor-packed perfection.
Butter: Adds a rich, indulgent base to your creamy sauce.
Garlic: A couple of fresh cloves for that soulful aromatic punch.
Heavy cream: Brings the silkiness that makes this pasta so irresistibly creamy.
Chicken broth: Deepens the flavor of the sauce without overpowering the Parmesan.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: The real MVP here—use freshly grated for melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, nutty flavor.
Penne or fettuccine pasta: Choose your favorite, but a hearty pasta is best for catching every drop of sauce.
Fresh parsley: For that pop of freshness and color right at the end.

How to Make Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry, then seasoning them generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Heat the olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat, and place the chicken in, letting it get a perfect golden sear on both sides. This step locks in juiciness and sets the stage for your chicken to become the heart of the Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While your chicken is making magic in the skillet, bring a pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook until al dente—this means it should have a slight bite in the center, perfect for soaking up all of that creamy sauce waiting in the wings.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet you used for the chicken (don’t clean it—those browned bits are flavor gold!), lower the heat a bit and add the butter and garlic. Sauté just until fragrant, then pour in your chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir it all together and let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors marry beautifully. Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce looks glossy and smooth. This step is what makes Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta so decadent.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain your pasta and add it directly into the creamy parmesan sauce, tossing gently so every piece is coated. Slice your cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces, then nestle them on top of the pasta. Let everything simmer for a minute or two to let those flavors blend into each other—truly, you’ll see how the sauce clings to the pasta and chicken.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer your Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta to a big platter or individual bowls. Finish with a shower of freshly chopped parsley and a little more Parmesan if you like, then dig right in! The combination of warmth, creaminess, and savory parmesan is irresistible.

How to Serve Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

You can take this dish over the top with just a couple of thoughtful garnishes. Fresh parsley not only brightens up the plate but adds a hint of herby freshness that cuts through the cream. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan is never out of place—trust me, there’s no such thing as too much cheese here! For an extra Southern touch, try a few thinly sliced green onions as well.

Side Dishes

Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is rich and satisfying, so it pairs especially well with lighter or contrasting sides. I love serving it with a crisp green salad, roasted seasonal veggies, or even a side of buttery garlic bread for mopping up every drop of sauce. If you want to stay classic Southern, cornbread works beautifully, too.

Creative Ways to Present

When you want to wow guests or make a special family meal, try serving the pasta in a big, shallow platter with the chicken arranged artfully on top. Use colorful garnishes for that inviting look. For a fun twist, spoon the creamy pasta into individual ramekins and broil with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a golden, bubbling top. Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta also shines as part of a potluck table—simply serve from a slow cooker to keep it warm and creamy for hours.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta (lucky you!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep beautifully for up to three days. The sauce may thicken a bit as it sits, but a quick stir when reheating will bring it right back to its creamy glory.

Freezing

This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place cooled pasta and chicken in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Be mindful that the cream sauce might separate a bit upon freezing, but a good stir and gentle reheating can revive it nicely.

Reheating

Warm your Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave portions in short bursts, stirring between each, to avoid overcooking the chicken or pasta.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add even more richness and tenderness to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they’re cooked through.

Is it okay to use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

While pre-grated cheese is convenient, freshly grated Parmesan melts much smoother, resulting in a creamier sauce for your Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta. But in a pinch, use what you have; it’ll still taste great.

Can I make it less rich?

If you’d like a lighter version, swap half of the heavy cream for milk or use half-and-half. You’ll still get plenty of creamy goodness, but with a slightly lighter feel.

What do I do if my sauce is too thick?

Just add an extra splash of chicken broth or even a bit of reserved pasta water. Stir well until your sauce is silky smooth again.

How can I add more vegetables?

You can absolutely toss in sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli. Just fold them in with the pasta at the end—the flavors complement Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely can’t wait for you to try this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta in your own kitchen. With its comforting creaminess, satisfying depth, and ease of preparation, it’s destined to become a cherished favorite. Go ahead and treat yourself—and someone you love—to a plateful of this cozy, Southern-inspired comfort!

Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe