Southern Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta
DISCLAIMER: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you. Please read my policy page!
Southern Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta
Get ready to indulge in comfort food heaven with our Southern Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta! This dish is the epitome of Southern comfort, combining tender yet crispy parmesan-crusted chicken, al dente pasta, and a luxuriously creamy parmesan garlic sauce. It's a meal that's guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and warm your soul. Gluten-free + Dairy-free Option.
Ah, pasta—the eternal comfort food! Lately, I've been totally obsessed with all things Parmesan… Can you blame me? It's just too darn delicious! And let me tell you, this Southern Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta is beyond amazing. The creamy pasta, and the crispy parmesan chicken—pure perfection! This dish is destined to be a family favorite!
This chicken pasta is my go-to for those weeknights when I've got a bit of extra energy to spare. It comes together in just an hour, and let me tell you, the crispy chicken is out of this world! And the best part? It's baked, not fried! Plus you can easily customize it to be gluten-free + dairy-free!
If you're all about that Parmesan life like I am, you've gotta try these recipes next --- Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan French Fries, The Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings, Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken, or you can just dip all your faves like fries and wings into this Easy Garlic Parmesan Sauce.
Jump to:
- Why You Will Totally LOVE Southern Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta
- How To Make Southern Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta
- Ingredients
- How To Know If Your Chicken Is Fully Cooked?
- Topping Ideas For Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta
- Adding More Protein
- What Are Delicious Foods to Pair This Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta With?
- Choosing Your Perfect Pasta
- Common Q + A's For Southern Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta
- More Deliciously Creamy Pasta Recipes
- MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
- Southern Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta
Why You Will Totally LOVE Southern Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta
- SO creamy, cheesy + oh-so-delicious!
- Loaded with succulent + crispy chicken!
- Perfect for weeknights or a date night pasta.
- A definite crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Loaded with velvety cheesy creamy flavors + spoonfuls of savory goodness.
How To Make Southern Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta
Start by preparing the crispy Parmesan chicken (you will need to coat it with a breading and then bake it), boiling your pasta to al dente perfection, and whipping up the lusciously creamy sauce.
Ingredients
CRISPY PARMESAN CHICKEN:
- Chicken breast. The star of the show!
- Herb + seasoning blend. You can purchase my On Everything All-Purpose Blend for great flavor. (For homemade blend, see below! Adjust amount based on preference)
- Eggs. Acts as a great binder for the wet marinade when coating chicken.
- Almond milk. You can also use whole milk or your fave plant-based milk, if desired.
- Dijon mustard. This adds a nice tangy flavor.
- All-purpose flour + cornstarch. Helps adhere the breading to the chicken and creates a light, crispy crust when cooked.
- Cornflakes. Adds an extra layer of crunchiness to the breading, elevating the texture! You can also substitute with breadcrumbs if desired.
- Parmesan cheese. Freshly-grated.
PASTA:
- Ribbon-shaped pasta. I use Bucatini or Tagliatelle--- See below for more ideas for pasta shapes!
- Unsalted butter. Provides richness and flavor to the creamy sauce. You can use vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- Garlic cloves. Introduces aromatic depth to the dish.
- Heavy cream. I recommend organic–always! I use Organic Valley. Of course, for a dairy-free option, just use full-fat coconut cream/milk.
- Organic chicken stock or pasta water. Helps to create a smooth creamy sauce.
- White cooking wine. You can sub with chicken stock or pasta water.
- Parmesan cheese. Freshly-grated.
- Cajun seasoning. You can use store-bought or homemade!
- Garlic powder. Adds another level of umami garlic flavor.
SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS PASTA DISH!
Here, I've curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Southern Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta recipe. Everything from my fave baking sheet, dutch ovens, immersion hand-blender, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
How To Know If Your Chicken Is Fully Cooked?
Ever wondered how long to bake these Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken breasts at 400°? To know when your chicken breasts are fully cooked at 400° here are some tips:
- Time: Bake chicken breasts at 400°F for around 30-35 minutes. Don't forget to flip halfway through!
- Color and Juices: Cut into the thickest part of the chicken. If the juices run clear and the meat is opaque with no pinkness, it's likely cooked.
- Temperature: For certainty, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should read 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the breast.
- Resting: After cooking, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside for a tastier result.
Topping Ideas For Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta
While I love this Southern Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta dinner as-is, straight from the pan, you can dress it up with toppings if you like.
For extra flavor, color, and texture, you can try:
- Herb roasted tomatoes
- Kale
- Candied bacon
- Black olives
- Grated lemon zest --adds a zesty, citrusy twist that brightens up the dish.
- More parmesan cheese
- Toasted panko bread crumbs
Adding More Protein
If you'd like to add protein to this pasta dish, it's easy to do, regardless of your diet!
PLANT-BASED PROTEIN OPTIONS:
- Crispy seared or baked tofu cubes
- Roasted chickpeas
- Crumbled stir-fried seitan
- Crumble vegan bacon on top
- Sautéed cauliflower florets or broccoli
- Sautéed asparagus, Brussels sprouts, etc.
MEAT-BASED PROTEIN OPTIONS:
If you're a seafood lover, feel free to swap out the Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken for these delightful options!
- Salmon
- Shrimp
- Lobster
- Fish (fried, grilled, baked, etc.)
What Are Delicious Foods to Pair This Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta With?
Here's the thing. This Southern Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta recipe is so delicious and flavorful that you can honestly enjoy it all by itself. Seriously, the thick ribbon shaped pasta is ideal for soaking up the creamy cheesy cajun sauce and the crispy parmesan crusted chicken just takes it to the next level! So, feel free to dig in and savor every single bite. It's a dish that stands tall on its own!
But if you're anything like me (A huge bread lover.. Haha), then I recommend enjoying some crusty bread on the side like -
- Cheesy Kale Garlic Bread
- Homemade Roasted Garlic Bread
- Soft Buttery Vegan Brioche Bread
- Homemade Texas Toast Garlic Bread
They are an amazing vessel for scooping up every last drop of saucy goodness.
Choosing Your Perfect Pasta
I love using ribbon shaped pasta like Bucatini or Tagliatelle pasta because it does a beautiful job of embracing and holding onto the sauce and the texture is just fun to eat! But any of these pasta varieties would work for this dish -
- Pappardelle
- Spaghetti
- Perciatelli
- Fettucini
- Rigatoni
- Shells
- Penne
- Paccheri
- Orecchiette
- Spirals
- Ravioli + gnocchi would also go wonderfully with this sauce combo!
Common Q + A's For Southern Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta
Place any leftover ingredients in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
All ingredients for the chicken can be made and individually stored as meal prep (up to 2 days prior) and assembled when ready to serve. Be sure to store crushed corn flakes + seasoning mixture in a nicely sealed zip loc bag, kept at room temp.
If you don’t have chicken breasts, you can always use chicken tenderloins which are already pre-cut into strips.
To ensure that this dish is GF-friendly, ensure that you use GF breadcrumbs or cornflakes, flour, and you can use arrowroot starch which is a great GF-friendly option for the chicken breasts. Also, be sure that heavy cream and stock are GF-friendly as well as the pasta.
If you'd prefer not to use eggs for "egg wash", you can always substitute with 1 tablespoon of dijon mustard or mayonnaise.
To make this sauce dairy-free, simply use vegan butter instead of the regular butter. Then swap the cream with full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream. And use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese or nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
More Deliciously Creamy Pasta Recipes
If you are a fan of this Southern Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta recipe, then you will also love these recipes:
- Creamy Tuscan Lobster Pasta
- Creamy Salmon Alfredo Pasta
- Easy Weeknight Creamy Tuscan Ravioli
- Lemon Brown Butter Pasta
- Weeknight Tomato Kale Ravioli Bake
- Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta
- Vegan Bolognese Pasta
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you tried this Southern Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @shanikagrahamwhite on Instagram. I love hearing from you!
Southern Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
CRISPY PARMESAN CHICKEN:
- 2 lbs. organic chicken breast
- 4 tsps On Everything All-Purpose Blend, divided (You can purchase my On Everything All-Purpose Blend for authentic flavor or make your own blend----See Notes)
- 2 tsps smoked paprika, divided
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¼ cup Almond milk (You can also use whole milk or your fave plant-based milk, if desired)
- 2 Tbsps dijon mustard
- ¼ cup organic all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 cups organic cornflakes, crushed finely (This is optional; You can sub with breadcrumbs)
- 1 cup freshly-grated parmesan cheese
PASTA:
- 1 (16 oz.) package Ribbon-shaped pasta (I use bucatini; See Post for more options!)
- 3 Tbsps unsalted butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream, organic
- ¼ cup organic chicken stock or pasta water
- 3 Tbsps white cooking wine (You can sub with chicken stock or pasta water)
- 1 cup freshly-grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
TO MAKE THE CRISPY PARMESAN CHICKEN:
- Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and prep a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper and a wire rack (this helps both sides to crisp up nicely).
- In a bowl, add the chicken breasts and 2 teaspoon of All-Purpose Blend, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and salt, tossing everything together until well coated. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes so that everything marinates. NOTE: It's always best to marinate overnight in the fridge.
- In the bowl of the beaten eggs, add the milk and dijon mustard and whisk together until combined.
TO MAKE THE 'BREADED' COATING:
- In a separate bowl, add the crushed corn flakes (or breadcrumbs if using), grated parmesan, and remaining 2 tsps of All-Purpose Blend and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika together and stir until combined.
- In a separate bowl or plate, mix together the cornstarch and flour.
ASSEMBLE + BAKE:
- Now, dip one chicken breast into the flour followed by the egg mixture (shaking off any excess) and then add it into the cornflake coating mixture-----tossing it around until the chicken is well coated. Then lay the chicken breast side by side onto the baking sheet (about an inch apart). Repeat until all chicken breasts are coated.
- Lightly brush or spray tops of chicken with olive oil or cooking spray and bake them for 30-35 minutes or until chicken has fully cooked through. Once done and slightly cool enough to handle-----slice or chop the breasts for an easier bite.
BOIL THE PASTA:
- Cook pasta according to packaging. NOTE: Bucatini cooks about the same time as other pastas, usually 8-10 minutes, depending on brand. NOTE: Be sure to keep about ¼ cup of boiled pasta water for sauce, if needed.
TO MAKE THE PASTA SAUCE:
- In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, add the butter until melted. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute or so, until fragrant. Add the cajun seasoning and garlic powder, stirring until combined.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and slowly add in the heavy cream, white cooking wine, and stock or pasta water, stirring until combined. Let it slightly bubble for 1-2 minutes and then add in the grated parmesan, whisking until fully melted and sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- When the pasta is done, drain it and add it to the sauce, tossing until sauce fully coats + sticks to pasta. Add chopped or sliced crispy chicken and lightly toss to incorporate. Serve immediately and garnish with additional parmesan, if desired.
- Bon Appetit!
Tips & Tricks
- STORAGE: Place any leftover ingredients in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- MAKE AHEAD (CHICKEN): All ingredients can be made and individually stored as meal prep (up to 2 days prior) and assembled when ready to serve. Be sure to store crushed corn flakes + seasoning mixture in a nicely sealed zip loc bag, kept at room temp.
- CHICKEN: If you don’t have chicken breasts, you can always use chicken tenderloins which are already pre-cut into strips.
- GLUTEN-FREE OPTION: To ensure that this dish is GF-friendly, ensure that you use GF breadcrumbs or cornflakes, flour, and you can use arrowroot starch which is a great GF-friendly option for the chicken breasts. Also, be sure that heavy cream and stock are GF-friendly as well as the pasta.
- EGG SUBSTITUTE: If you'd prefer not to use eggs for "egg wash", you can always substitute with 1 tablespoon of dijon mustard or mayonnaise.
- PASTA: You can use long pastas like Pappardelle, Tagliatelle, Fettuccine, etc. however, I would recommend tossing with tongs to ensure that pasta is fully manageable and fully coated. Otherwise, other pastas such as Penne, Rigatoni, Paccheri, Orecchiette, etc. are perfect.
- GREENS: To add a bit more flavor to this dish, you can always feel free to add in your favorite greens such as kale, spinach, broccolini, collards, or asparagus.
- DAIRY-FREE OPTION: To make this sauce dairy-free, simply use vegan butter instead of the regular butter. Then swap the cream with full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream. And use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese or nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
- HOMEMADE ALL-PURPOSE BLEND: 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, + 1 teaspoon dried parsley.
Nutrition
DID YOU MAKE THIS recipe?
Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea
LOVE THIS RECIPE?
LET US KNOW!