Southern Style Creamy Parmesan: Amazing 1 Dish

Name: Southern Style Creamy Parmesan: Amazing 1 Dish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-488049H42M38S
Total time: PT-488049H42M38S
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 8 oz fettuccine pasta; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

by Fatima Garcia

•

4 de September de 2025

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Southern Style Creamy Parmesan has been my go-to for a quick, comforting weeknight meal ever since I discovered how simple it is to create that rich, velvety sauce. I remember the first time I made it, the aroma of garlic and Parmesan filled my kitchen, promising a delicious meal that felt like a warm hug. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table smile, offering that classic Southern comfort food experience without a fuss. This delightful chicken pasta dish is incredibly satisfying, and I can’t wait for you to try it. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

You’re going to adore this dish for so many reasons:

It’s incredibly quick, perfect for busy weeknights.
The creamy, cheesy sauce is pure comfort in a bowl.
It uses just a few simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
This easy Southern Style Creamy Parmesan comes together in under an hour.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will devour.
The rich flavor profile is pure Southern comfort food bliss.
It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite veggies.
The combination of tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta is divine.

Ingredients for Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Gathering these Southern Style Creamy Parmesan ingredients is the first step to a fantastic meal. You’ll find that the simplicity of the components allows the richness of the Parmesan cream sauce southern style to truly shine.

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – about 1 lb total, patted dry and ready to be seasoned
8 oz fettuccine pasta – or your favorite long pasta shape
1 cup heavy cream – this is key for that luxurious, creamy texture we love
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – freshly grated is best for melting smoothly
Salt and pepper to taste – essential for bringing out all the flavors

How to Make Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Let’s get this delicious dish on the table! These Southern Style Creamy Parmesan cooking instructions are designed to be straightforward, even for a beginner cook.

Step 1: Get your pasta cooking. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz fettuccine pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Before you drain it, scoop out about a cup of the starchy pasta water – it’s liquid gold for the sauce! Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Time to prep the chicken. While the pasta is doing its thing, lightly season your 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts all over with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Make sure they’re nice and dry for a good sear.
Step 3: Sear that chicken! Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, until they’re beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes before slicing.
Step 4: Create the magic sauce. Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Pour in the 1 cup heavy cream, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the cream simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for about 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Cheese, please! Gradually add the 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the cream sauce, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. This is where the creaminess really comes alive!
Step 6: Bring it all together for your Southern creamy parmesan chicken. Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips. Add the sliced chicken and the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything gently until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in that luscious sauce. If the sauce seems a bit too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 7: Taste and adjust those seasonings. Give your masterpiece a taste and add more salt and pepper if you think it needs it. This is your chance to make it perfect for your palate.
Step 8: Serve it up! Dish out your easy Southern Style Creamy Parmesan pasta immediately. A little extra sprinkle of Parmesan on top never hurt anyone!

Pro Tips for the Best Southern Style Creamy Parmesan

Want to elevate your dish from good to absolutely unforgettable? Follow these tips for achieving that truly Authentic Southern Style Creamy Parmesan experience:

Always grate your Parmesan cheese fresh from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce.
Don’t skip resting the chicken! Letting the chicken rest after searing allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring it stays moist and tender when you slice it.
Reserve some pasta water. This starchy water is a secret weapon for achieving the perfect sauce consistency, helping it emulsify and cling to the pasta beautifully.
Season at every stage. A little salt and pepper on the chicken, in the pasta water, and in the sauce itself builds layers of flavor.

What’s the secret to perfect Southern Style Creamy Parmesan?

The real secret to a perfect creamy parmesan southern style dish lies in the quality of your Parmesan cheese and the technique of building your sauce. Freshly grated cheese melts into a velvety emulsion, while gently simmering the cream and scraping up those browned bits from the chicken adds incredible depth. For more on achieving the perfect sauce consistency, check out this guide on sauce making techniques.

Can I make Southern Style Creamy Parmesan ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and cook the pasta ahead of time. However, for the best texture and flavor, I recommend making the sauce and combining everything just before serving. This prevents the pasta from getting mushy and the sauce from breaking.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Southern Style Creamy Parmesan?

A common pitfall is overcooking the sauce, which can cause it to become greasy. Also, avoid using pre-shredded cheese; it won’t melt as smoothly. Lastly, don’t overcook your pasta – al dente is key for holding up in the sauce. Understanding the importance of al dente pasta can make a big difference.

Best Ways to Serve Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This rich and comforting pasta dish is a star on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple additions to create a complete Southern meal. For a fantastic Southern Style Creamy Parmesan side dish, consider a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the pasta. Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli also make excellent, healthy accompaniments. If you’re looking for another classic creamy parmesan side dish southern style, consider a simple biscuit or cornbread to soak up any extra sauce – pure Southern bliss!

Southern Style Creamy Parmesan: Amazing 1 Dish - Southern Style Creamy Parmesan - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Here’s a look at the nutritional breakdown per serving for this delightful dish. It captures that classic comfort food feel with a satisfying balance. For more information on nutritional values, you can consult resources like the MyFitnessPal database.

Calories: 540 kcal
Fat: 25g
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: N/A

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

How to Store and Reheat Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This delightful dish, much like a beloved Southern Style Creamy Parmesan casserole, stores beautifully, making meal prep a breeze. Once you’ve finished enjoying your delicious meal, let any leftovers cool down completely before storing them. This is crucial to prevent condensation and maintain the best quality. Store the pasta and chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you know you won’t finish it within that time, you can also freeze portions for up to 2 months. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce seems too thick, or microwave individual servings until heated through. For more on food storage, see these food safety guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Style Creamy Parmesan

What is Southern Style Creamy Parmesan?

What is Southern Style Creamy Parmesan? It’s a comforting, rich dish that embodies Southern cooking with its creamy, cheesy sauce, often paired with chicken or pasta. This style emphasizes simple, high-quality ingredients coming together to create a deeply satisfying meal, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

How to make Southern Style Creamy Parmesan?

How to make Southern Style Creamy Parmesan typically involves searing chicken, cooking pasta, and then creating a luscious sauce from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. You combine these elements for a quick and flavorful meal that’s a true taste of Southern hospitality. For a similar dish, check out this creamy chicken recipe.

Can I make this dish with different proteins?

Absolutely! While chicken is classic, you can easily adapt this recipe for other proteins. Shrimp cooks quickly and pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce. You could also try it with pan-seared pork tenderloin or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option.

What are some good side dishes to serve with Southern Style Creamy Parmesan?

This rich dish pairs wonderfully with lighter sides. A simple garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint. Roasted green beans or asparagus also complement the creamy texture nicely. For a truly Southern feel, a side of warm, buttery cornbread is always a hit! You might also enjoy this recipe for homemade biscuits.

Variations of Southern Style Creamy Parmesan You Can Try

While this recipe is fantastic as is, don’t be afraid to get creative! You can easily adapt this dish to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For a wonderful way to incorporate more greens, try adding a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last minute of sauce simmering, creating delicious Southern creamy parmesan vegetables. If you love pasta, consider swapping the fettuccine for penne or rotini to see how different shapes hold the sauce – it truly changes the texture of the Southern creamy parmesan pasta experience. For a lighter touch, you can substitute half the heavy cream with low-sodium chicken broth or even a plant-based milk like unsweetened cashew cream for a dairy-free option.