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Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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Creamy, comforting chicken pasta blended with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a touch of Southern-style seasoning for a rich, satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 400 g penne or fettuccine pasta
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 500 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Juice of ½ lemon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
  3. Add chicken to the skillet and cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, sauté onion until soft, about 3 minutes, then add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer and cook 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
  7. Return chicken to the sauce and stir to coat. Add cooked pasta and toss until evenly covered. Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  8. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
  • Add vegetables like spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk.
  • Shred leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://ukfinda.com/southern-style-creamy-parmesan-chicken-pasta/