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Easy Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta. photo

Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

Rich, creamy Parmesan pasta topped with crispy Panko-crusted chicken and bell peppers for a Southern-inspired weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken cutlets or tenders
  • 1 cup Panko
  • 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
  • kosher salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1 pound short-cut pasta such as penne or rigatoni
  • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
  • 2 bell peppers chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic finely chopped or grated
  • 3-4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • crushed red pepper flakes pinch, to taste
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or canned coconut milk
  • 2 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • shallow bowl
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions; drain and set aside.
  2. In a shallow bowl combine the Panko and 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan. Pat the chicken dry and dredge both sides in the Panko mixture, pressing the crumbs to adhere.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Panko-coated chicken and cook 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through; transfer to a cutting board, season with salt, and slice into thin strips.
  4. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and heat over medium-high. Sauté the chopped onion 4–5 minutes until softened, then add the chopped bell peppers and garlic and cook another 4–5 minutes until the peppers are tender.
  5. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, and salt and black pepper to taste; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the milk and heavy cream (or coconut milk) and add the cream cheese. Whisk until smooth, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook 5–8 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Stir in the remaining 1 cup (about) grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add the drained pasta to the sauce, toss to combine, and cook 3–5 minutes to heat through.
  8. Remove from the heat, stir in the chopped parsley, divide the pasta among plates, and top with sliced Panko-crusted chicken.

Notes

  • Use 3–4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning for moderate heat.
  • Substitute canned coconut milk for heavy cream if dairy-free.
  • Press Panko firmly onto the chicken for a crisp crust.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control spice level.
  • Room-temperature cream cheese blends more smoothly into the sauce.