Name: Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken cutlets or tenders; 1 cup Panko; 1 1/2 cups grated parmesan; 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; kosher salt and black pepper to taste; 1 pound short cut pasta; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 2 bell peppers, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated; 3-4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; crushed red pepper flakes to taste; 2 cups milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream or canned coconut milk; 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 42 reviews

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight but fancy enough to impress family or friends, you’ve got to try this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen like it did in mine. The creamy parmesan sauce with a little kick from Cajun seasoning, paired with perfectly crisped chicken, is downright irresistible. Stick around and I’ll walk you through everything to make sure you nail this dish with confidence!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect balance of flavors: The creamy parmesan sauce combined with the bold Cajun spices creates an irresistible Southern-inspired profile.
Crunchy yet tender chicken: Panko breading gives the chicken a crisp exterior while keeping it juicy inside.
One-pot style for the sauce: Cooking the veggies and sauce together layers flavor and saves cleanup time.
Versatile and quick: Ready in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights or last-minute guests.

Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta, creamy parmesan chicken pasta, Cajun chicken pasta, easy Southern chicken pasta, cheesy chicken pasta recipe - A white bowl filled with farfalle pasta coated in a creamy, light orange sauce mixed with small pieces of red tomato and green herbs scattered on top. On one side, there are two crispy breaded chicken pieces with golden brown crust, sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs and tiny bits of white cheese. A fork and a knife with wooden handles rest inside the bowl with a piece of chicken speared on the fork. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth nearby, and in the background, there is a small bowl of red chili flakes and a clear glass of water. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe plays a key role in building depth and texture. From the garlic and bell peppers adding sweet aromatic notes, to the creamy mix of milk, cream, and cream cheese rounding everything out – they all come together like a harmonious team. Here’s what you’ll want to keep in mind when shopping:

Chicken cutlets or tenders: Thin pieces cook quickly and evenly, perfect for tossing into a pasta dish.
Panko: Gives the chicken an airy, crispy coating that holds up well in the pan.
Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated tastes best and melts beautifully into the creamy sauce.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle richness for sautéing without overpowering flavors.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the dish.
Short cut pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or shells work great to carry the sauce.
Yellow onion and bell peppers: Build foundational sweetness and texture.
Garlic: Fresh, finely chopped garlic perks up the aroma and taste.
Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes: Bring classic Southern heat and smoky spice.
Milk and heavy cream (or coconut milk): Create the silky base for the sauce, with creaminess and body.
Cream cheese: Adds tang and thickness, balancing the spices perfectly.
Fresh parsley: Brightens and finishes the dish with a fresh herbal note.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One thing I love about this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is how customizable it is. Whether you want to dial up the spice, swap out veggies, or lighten it up, there’s plenty of room for your own twist. Making it your own is part of the fun!

Spice level: I sometimes add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a bolder kick. Feel free to adjust to what you enjoy.
Veggie swap: If bell peppers aren’t your favorite, I’ve also had great results with zucchini or cherry tomatoes tossed in for color and freshness.
Dairy options: Using canned coconut milk instead of cream is a great way to make the sauce dairy-free, and it still stays super creamy.
Protein choice: For a twist, slices of spicy sausage or even shrimp work beautifully here in place of the chicken.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook Pasta to Perfection

First things first: fill a large pot with water and salt it generously—think like the ocean. I usually add about a tablespoon of kosher salt. Bring it to a rolling boil and cook your short cut pasta according to the package directions until just al dente (which means a tiny bit firm to the bite). Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse the pasta because that starchy coating helps the sauce cling beautifully later.

Step 2: Prep and Bread the Chicken

While the pasta’s cooking, mix the panko with half a cup of grated parmesan in a shallow bowl. This combo gives the breadcrumb mix a lovely cheesy flavor and crunch. Press each chicken cutlet firmly into the mixture — I like to use my fist to really pack those crumbs on. Don’t be shy here; the more evenly coated, the better the crispy texture you’ll get when frying.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Cajun Sauce

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a wide skillet. Toss in the chopped onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Add the bell peppers and garlic, then give everything another 5 minutes until the peppers soften nicely. Now it’s time for the magic—sprinkle in your Cajun seasoning, a pinch of red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well for about a minute until you can smell those spices blooming.

Next, pour in the milk and cream (or coconut milk), then add the cream cheese. Whisk briskly until the sauce becomes silky smooth — it might take a couple of minutes. Let it gently simmer for 5 to 8 minutes to thicken just a bit; you want it creamy but pourable.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Until Golden

In a separate large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken cutlets in the pan and don’t move them too soon—you want that perfect golden crust to form, which takes around 3 to 4 minutes per side. Once nicely browned, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and season with a little salt. Slice thinly for topping later.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce, Finish with Cheese & Parsley

Add the remaining parmesan cheese right into the sauce and stir until melted. Toss in the cooked pasta and let everything mingle on medium-low heat for 3 to 5 minutes—the pasta will soak up some of that luscious sauce. Remove from heat and finally stir in some fresh chopped parsley. This little pop of green not only looks inviting but adds a fresh balance to the richness.

Step 6: Plate It Up and Enjoy!

Divide the creamy pasta between plates or bowls and arrange the sliced chicken on top. If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to dive right in while it’s hot and steamy. Grab a fork and savor that amazing Southern creamy goodness!

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Pro Tips for Making Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Don’t skip pounding the panko: Pressing the breadcrumbs firmly on the chicken creates that perfect crispy exterior, so take your time with this step.
Use fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated is convenient but fresh grated cheese melts better and really enhances the sauce’s flavor.
Simmer sauce gently: Keep the heat low when thickening the sauce to avoid curdling or scorching the dairy.
Season layers gradually: Season your chicken, sauce, and pasta separately to build a well-balanced flavor throughout.

How to Serve Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley and a little cracked black pepper for color and freshness. Sometimes I add a dusting of grated parmesan on top for that extra cheesy punch. If you’re feeling fancy, a few basil leaves or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a delightful brightness that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some garlic roasted broccoli. Cornbread or warm crusty bread is always a winner, perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce. And if you want to keep it Southern, a simple coleslaw adds crunch and balances the creamy pasta beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this recipe family-style in a large, rustic dish right at the table, topped with a shower of parsley and parmesan. Alternatively, layering the pasta in individual small gratin dishes and broiling briefly for a golden top turns it into a delightful baked pasta experience. It always impresses guests and tastes fantastic!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta hold up really well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to store the pasta and chicken together in an airtight container. The sauce might thicken a bit overnight, but I’ll show you how to fix that when reheating.

Freezing

I have frozen this dish before, but I recommend freezing the pasta and chicken separately for best texture. Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. For the chicken, a quick warm-up in a skillet keeps that nice crust intact. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can make the sauce separate or the chicken soggy.

FAQs

Can I make this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Just be sure your Cajun seasoning doesn’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?

If you want to skip the chicken, I recommend using sautéed mushrooms or crispy tofu as a protein substitute. The creamy parmesan sauce is rich enough to stand on its own with hearty veggies, so adding more bell peppers or spinach works well too.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this recipe?

The Cajun seasoning brings a nice medium spice level with a smoky, savory flavor. If you prefer milder dishes, reduce the amount or skip the red pepper flakes. For heat lovers, adding extra red pepper or a dash of hot sauce amps up the kick.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the chicken coated with panko ahead and refrigerate it for a few hours before cooking. The sauce can also be made a day ahead and gently reheated. Just cook the pasta fresh or toss it in just before serving to avoid mushiness.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe has become a favorite in my home because it’s straightforward, comforting, and packed with bold flavors that satisfy every time. I love sharing this kind of dish with friends because it’s a total crowd-pleaser — creamy, cheesy, with just the right spice and crispy chicken that feels special but isn’t complicated. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) it as much as I do. Go ahead, give it a try tonight — I promise, you won’t regret it!