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.
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.
Save 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
Save This creamy parmesan chicken pasta balances rich flavors with ease for a delightful meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → What spices are used for the chicken seasoning?
A blend including smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper is used to season the chicken.
- → How is the creamy parmesan sauce prepared?
The sauce is made by melting butter with garlic, whisking in flour to form a roux, then gradually adding cream and milk. Cream cheese and freshly grated Parmesan are folded in, finished with lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce.
- → Can the sauce consistency be adjusted?
Yes, reserved pasta water can be added to thin the sauce to the desired consistency without losing its creamy texture.
- → What pasta types work best for this dish?
Fettuccine or penne pasta are recommended as they hold the sauce well, providing a satisfying bite and coating.
- → Is it necessary to let the chicken rest before slicing?
Allowing the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes after cooking helps retain juiciness and makes slicing easier.
- → Are there suggestions for lighter alternatives?
For a lighter version, half-and-half can replace cream, and Greek yogurt can substitute cream cheese for reduced richness.