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.
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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)
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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.
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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
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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.
