Pin 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 cozy chicken stew is a family favorite that brings everyone together around the table for a warm hearty meal.
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 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 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.
Pin This recipe often becomes the centerpiece of family dinners sparking stories and laughter around the table.
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
Calories 545 Total Fat 30 g Carbohydrates 39 g Protein 33 g per serving
Pin This creamy parmesan chicken pasta is sure to become a quick favorite that you make again and again.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do you ensure the chicken stays tender?
Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook evenly and remain juicy. Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking also retains its moisture.
- → What pasta works best with the creamy parmesan sauce?
Fettuccine or penne are ideal as their shapes hold the creamy sauce well, allowing each bite to be flavorful.
- → Can I adjust the spice level in this dish?
Yes, the amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes can be modified to suit your preferred heat level without compromising flavor.
- → How do you prevent the sauce from curdling?
Avoid boiling the sauce after adding cream cheese and parmesan. Simmer gently and stir continuously to maintain a smooth texture.
- → What can be used to thin the sauce if it’s too thick?
Reserved pasta water is excellent for adjusting sauce consistency without diluting the flavor.
- → Is there a lighter alternative for the cream sauce?
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese.