If you’re craving comfort food with a little Southern sass, then you’re in for a treat. This Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is everything you want when you want a cozy, flavorful meal that comes together faster than you’d expect. Creamy, cheesy, with perfectly seasoned chicken and just the right kick from cajun spices—this dish has become one of my go-to dinners for busy weeknights or when I want to impress friends without breaking a sweat. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to make this fan-freaking-tastic Southern style pasta that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

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Why This Recipe Works

Bold Southern Flavors: The cajun seasoning and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes add that unmistakable Southern kick without overpowering the creaminess.
Texture Balance: Crunchy panko-coated chicken atop silky, creamy pasta creates a delightful contrast that keeps every bite interesting.
Creamy Parmesan Sauce: The combo of cream cheese, parmesan, milk, and cream makes a rich sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
Quick and Easy: Despite all its flair, this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy cooks.

Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta, Cajun chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta recipes, easy Southern pasta dish, quick weeknight dinner ideas - 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

The ingredients in this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe come together to balance bold seasoning, fresh veggies, and a luscious creamy sauce. Getting quality parmesan and freshly chopped garlic can really elevate the flavors.

Chicken cutlets or tenders: Thin cuts cook quickly and stay tender; pressing panko onto these creates a great crust.
Panko: Gives the chicken a crispy, airy coating that’s lighter than regular breadcrumbs.
Parmesan cheese: Essential for that nutty, salty depth in both the crust and creamy sauce.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté veggies and chicken evenly.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
Short cut pasta: Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce well and makes for easy eating.
Yellow onion: Adds a mild sweetness when sautéed, balancing the spicy cajun notes.
Bell peppers: Their natural sweetness and crunch add texture and freshness.
Garlic: Finely chopped or grated to infuse the sauce with robust aroma and flavor.
Cajun seasoning: Brings the Southern spice combo that defines this dish.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch for subtle heat that builds depth.
Milk and heavy cream or canned coconut milk: The creamy base for a silky sauce, coconut milk is a great dairy-free swap.
Cream cheese: Adds extra richness and helps thicken the sauce for that perfect coating.
Fresh parsley: Bright herbaceous touch to finish, balancing the richness.

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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

I love to personalize this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe depending on the mood or season. Don’t be shy about adjusting the heat level or swapping veggies based on what you have in the fridge.

Spice it up: I sometimes add extra cayenne or smoked paprika to the seasoning for a smokier, spicier punch when I’m craving heat.
Dairy-free option: When I want a lighter or dairy-free meal, swapping heavy cream for coconut milk works perfectly without sacrificing creaminess.
Veggie swap: I’ve tried this with mushrooms or zucchini when bell peppers are out of season — still delicious!
Protein alternatives: If you prefer shrimp or tofu, they’re great stand-ins — just adjust cooking time accordingly.

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

Step 1: Prep the Pasta Perfectly

Get a large pot of salted water boiling and cook your pasta to al dente according to package directions. I always taste a piece a minute before it’s supposed to be done so I don’t overcook it. Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse—keeping that starch helps the sauce cling better later.

Step 2: Crust the Chicken Like a Pro

Mix the panko with half the parmesan in a shallow bowl. Season your chicken lightly with salt and pepper, then dredge both sides of the chicken cutlets through the panko-parmesan mix. Use your fist to really press those crumbs onto the chicken—this ensures a crispy coating that stays put when frying. Set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Build That Creamy, Spicy Sauce

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Sauté chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes, then add the bell peppers and garlic. Cook another 5 minutes until peppers are tender. Stir in cajun seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let the spices bloom for a minute. Then pour in the milk and cream, and add the cream cheese. Whisk everything until smooth, bring to a gentle simmer, and let it cook 5–8 minutes to thicken slightly. This is where the magic happens—be patient here and don’t rush it!

Step 4: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

In a separate skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Transfer chicken to a cutting board, season with salt, then slice into thin strips so it’s ready to pile on top of your pasta.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return to your sauce and stir in the remaining parmesan. Toss in the cooked pasta and let it cook together another 3–5 minutes to marry the flavors. Stir in fresh parsley just before removing from heat for a pop of color and freshness. Divide the creamy pasta between plates and top with those glorious chicken slices. Time to dig in and enjoy!

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Pro Tips for Making Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Panko Pressing: When coating the chicken, really press the panko on so it doesn’t fall off while frying.
Sauce Thickness: Simmer the sauce gently; rushing or boiling can cause it to separate.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Al dente is key because it finishes cooking in the sauce.
Timing Matters: Cook chicken last and slice just before serving so it stays juicy and crispy.

How to Serve Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a fan of a simple garnish with chopped fresh parsley or even some sliced green onions to brighten the plate. Sometimes, I add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving for a subtle tang that cuts through all the creaminess beautifully.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with classic Southern sides like collard greens, sautéed green beans with garlic, or a crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette. For something indulgent, cheesy garlic bread on the side always gets rave reviews.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a cozy, rustic vibe. Top each serving with extra parmesan and a sprig of fresh herbs—it’s simple but makes it feel fancy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens when chilled, so it’s normal for it to firm up a bit overnight.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully without the chicken, as the crust tends to get soggy after thawing. It’s best to freeze the pasta and sauce separately and add fresh chicken when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick. Microwave works too, but stirring occasionally helps keep it creamy. Add fresh parsley after reheating to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken tenders or thin cutlets work best for quick cooking and even breading, but boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs can be used if sliced thinly. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to keep the chicken juicy and tender.
What can I substitute if I don’t have cream cheese?

If you’re out of cream cheese, you can substitute with mascarpone, ricotta, or a little extra heavy cream combined with a bit of butter to maintain the creamy texture. Each will change the flavor slightly but keep the sauce rich.
How spicy is this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe?

The recipe has a gentle kick from the cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes, but you can scale up or down depending on your heat preference. For less spicy, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For more heat, add cayenne or hot sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?

You can prepare the sauce and chicken separately a day ahead and reheat gently before tossing with fresh pasta. To keep the chicken crispy, reheat it in the oven or air fryer just before serving and mix it with the creamy pasta right at the end.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe has a special place in my kitchen because it brings together bold Southern flavors with a comforting creamy texture that always feels like a warm hug after a long day. I love how easy it is to pull together yet impressive enough to serve guests. I promise, once you try it, this dish will become one of your favorite family dinners too — so grab your skillet and let’s get cooking!