Save 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.
This recipe has become my go-to for easy weeknight dinners that impress family and guests alike.
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 to 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 to 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.
Save This dish always brings my family together for a cozy meal filled with laughter and full plates.
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
Per serving: Calories 545, Total Fat 30 g, Carbohydrates 39 g, Protein 33 g
Save This creamy parmesan chicken pasta is sure to become a family favorite for any occasion.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve tender and juicy chicken?
Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness and letting them rest after cooking helps retain their juiciness and ensures even cooking.
- → Can I substitute the pasta type?
Yes, fettuccine or penne are recommended, but other pasta shapes working well with creamy sauces can also be used.
- → What’s the best way to avoid a lumpy sauce?
Whisk flour into melted butter to create a smooth roux before gradually adding cream and milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- → How can I adjust the sauce consistency?
Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce as needed, ensuring it coats the pasta evenly without becoming too thick.
- → Is there a lighter alternative for the cream cheese?
Replacing cream cheese with Greek yogurt offers a lighter texture while maintaining creaminess, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
- → Can I omit the bacon garnish?
Absolutely, bacon is optional and can be omitted or substituted with other savory toppings like toasted nuts or extra herbs.