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This Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is THE best any night of the week pasta. Lightly breaded parmesan chicken pan-fried until golden and crispy. The chicken is served over a big bowl of creamy southern-inspired cajun pasta. Every bite is layered with spicy flavor, bell peppers, crispy chicken, and creamy pasta. It’s the easiest, creamiest bowl of pasta that’s fancy enough for the weekend, but easy enough to make any night of the week. And most importantly, it’s delicious…especially with an extra sprinkling of parmesan on top!
Switching things up tonight with this creamy pasta! So, this wasn’t the recipe I was planning for today, but it’s all ok because this bowl of pasta is delicious… shockingly delicious. The story?
Well, as I said, I had something else in mind for today, but after thoroughly messing up big time with my other recipe, I pulled out this pasta. It literally saved the day. It’s not the most traditional pasta, but it’s fun, easy, and so great for a weeknight!
The idea.
This recipe was actually inspired by The Cheesecake Factory. I know this is a chain restaurant that so many of you love, but I’ve actually never been. Or if I have, I don’t remember it. Regardless I’m pretty unfamiliar with their menu…or I was.
After coming up with the idea to do a spicier cajun style pasta, Google somehow brought me to The Cheesecake Factory’s Louisiana Chicken Pasta. I was pretty curious to learn more about it, so I read the description. Breaded parmesan crusted chicken served over creamy pasta with bell peppers in a spicy New Orleans style sauce. I can’t say it sounded incredible, but it was definitely interesting to me. It was either going to be totally weird, or it was going to be weird…and delicious.
I went back and forth about how I actually felt about a cajun pasta. In the end, my love of spices won and I decided to test out my own version. I have not a clue how they make the pasta at The Cheesecake Factory, but what I do know is that this creamy cajun pasta is so delicious.
A little different, for sure, but DELICIOUS.
The process.
What’s amazing about this pasta is just how quickly it comes together. I like to start with the sauce, then pan-fry the chicken, and put it all together.
The sauce I adapted a bit from my Fettuccine Alfredo, really just adding in lots of bell peppers and my homemade cajun seasoning blend.
First, you’ll need to cook up some onions, peppers, garlic, herbs, and spices. Then add a splash of milk and plenty of parmesan. Next comes my dad’s secret ingredient…the tiniest amount of cream cheese…whisk it in!
I know cream cheese isn’t typical, but my dad used to make his alfredo sauces this way. I swear it creates a silky smooth sauce every time. We’re only using the tiniest amount, but that’s all you need to do the trick!
While the sauce is simmering, pan fry the chicken. I made sure to keep the chicken simple and easy. I used chicken cutlets, then simply breaded them in Panko and parmesan (don’t skip out on the parmesan!). Super simple, but when placed atop the creamy sauce? Beyond good.
Once the sauce has simmered, toss in the pasta. I like to use bow ties, but really any cut of pasta will do! And that’s it! Serve the chicken over steaming bowls of creamy pasta. Top with additional parmesan and fresh parsley. Yummmm.
This recipe is all about the sauce and that crispy chicken. The sauce is buttery, a touch garlicky, slightly spicy, and so creamy. It’s my favorite combo. And the crispy chicken? It’s a game-changer. Tender and delicious when thinly sliced and tossed in with the pasta.
The perfect dish for livening up an average Wednesday night. Or maybe save it for a Friday night? Honestly, this dish will be a hit whatever night you choose to serve it up…everyone in the family agrees.
Looking for other weeknight dinner recipes? Here are some favorites:
30 Minute Spicy Sesame Noodles with Ginger Chicken
Shredded Brussels Sprout and Bacon Pizza
Slow Cooker Coq au Vin with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Lastly, if you make this Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
Servings: 8
Calories Per Serving: 505 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken cutlets or tenders
- 1 cup Panko
- 1 1/2 cups grated parmesan
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 pound short cut pasta
- 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
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or canned coconut milk
- 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain.2. Meanwhile, place the Panko and 1/2 cup parmesan in a shallow bowl. Dredge both sides of the chicken through the Panko, pressing to adhere by using your fist to really pound the crumbs in. Place the chicken on a plate. Set aside.3. To make the pasta. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium high heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the bell peppers, and garlic, cook another 5 minutes until the peppers are soft. Stir in the cajun seasoning, and a pinch each of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook another minute, until the spices are fragrant, then pour in the milk and cream. Add the cream cheese. Whisk until smooth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook 5-8 minutes, until thickened slightly. 4. To cook the chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, 3-4 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook until golden brown on the other side, 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and season with salt. Slice into thin strips.5. To the sauce, stir in the parmesan. Toss in the pasta and cook 3-5 minutes, then remove from the heat and stir in the parsley.6. Divide the pasta between plates and top with slices of chicken. ENJOY 🙂
Notes
Homemade Cajun Seasoning: mix 2 1/2 tablespoons smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon dried thyme, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper, 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt, and 1 tablespoon black pepper. Makes 3/4 cup.
A total fav. Came here to get the recipe again.
Hi Robyn,
Amazing!! So glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! Have a great weekend:)
We were at the beach for a week with family – each family took a turn to cook for everyone else for one night during the week – our granddaughter made Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta on her night to feed everyone and it was such a hit! She served it with heirloom tomato slices drizzled with oil & vinegar, a little red onion. Perfect meal, everyone was very impressed.
with her choice. I will definitely make it again, and soon!
To make purchasing ingredients a little easier while vacationing, she substituted “Slap Ya Mama” Cajun seasoning (original blend).
Hey Janie,
Lol this is awesome!! Thanks so much for making this recipe and sharing with your family:) So glad to hear it was a hit! xT
The idea is great with this dish but in what world does it make sense to include a cajun seasoning recipe for 36 TEASPOONS when the recipe calls for 4?!?!?!?!
Made this with my girlfriend and yeah, we were drinking. Sue me. Somewhere along the way we put all of the seasoning in the dish. Know what? Not our fault. The “extra recipe” for the cajun seasoning is ridiculously vague and it reads as if you’re making it to put the entirety of the bowl of seasoning into the stupid pasta dish.
I’m rating this a 3 because it would’ve been SO good with the proper amount of seasoning. But good God, this was just horribly written and it lead to a catastrophe in the kitchen.
A store bought jar of Cajun spices worked great for me! No need to make the homemade version.
Had to try this after seeing Tieghan’s IG post about it, and now I understand all the buzz! It’s sooo yummy!! I loved the bell peppers in the sauce vs. traditional tomatoes. I was a bit worried about the spice level as I’ve never used Cajun spices before, but it was perfect! Just the right amount of heat. Sauce was creamy perfection. Chicken was super easy and delicious. Adding this to our dinner rotation!
Hi Jenny,
Happy Wednesday!! I love to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks so much for making it!☀️🌈 xT
Incredible!!! I’ve never been to Cheesecake Factory but when I read the ingredients I was hooked. I’m from New Orleans and the entire recipe resonated. Reading reviews several mentioned that the Panko/parm mixture didn’t stick. I “very lightly” rubbed each cutlet with EVOO before coating and pressing the crumb mixture as you suggested, then let them sit while putting everything else together. That did the trick. Love so many of your recipes and this one is a Super Favorite!!!
Hey Julie,
Amazing!! So glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it! Have a great weekend!! xT
Delicious will be adding to the dinner rotation.
Love to hear this Laura!! Thanks so much for making this recipe and sharing your feedback! Have a great weekend! xx
Made this last night and it was amazing. If both of my kids like a meal, it’s a winner. Not only did my kids love it, my husband and I did too. This is one I’d make for company. Definitely a keeper. I haven’t had the cheesecake version but I’d probably be disappointed in it after having this one!
Hey Megan,
Happy Friday!!🍍🥥 Thanks a bunch for making this recipe and your comment, so glad to hear it turned out well for you! xT
So delicious! Never had this from the Cheesecake Factory but this has to be better! I did have to do a three step dredge as my breadcrumbs wouldn’t stick to the chicken but other than that this is a perfect recipe that I’ll be making again!
Hey Morgan,
Happy Monday!! ☀️⛅️ I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your comment, so glad to hear it turned out well for you! xT
I don’t typically make something I’ve never made before when having dinner guests, but I took a chance and made this for our family in from out of town and we all loved it. Came together very quickly and just very delicious! Definitely making this again soon and would be good with shrimp as well.
Hey Kaley,
Happy Sunday!💐 I really appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your feedback, so glad to hear it was a hit! xT
Tried this and loved the flavors!! We love chickpea noodles, so we used those and it tasted great. The sauce was runnier than preferred. Any suggestions?
Hey Madison,
Happy Wednesday! I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your comment, so glad to hear it was a winner! I’m assuming the chickpea noodles made for a runnier sauce just because they cook differently than regular noodles. xx
Just made this for dinner and it was so so good!! Making it for my sister tomorrow! One of my favorites!
Hey Nadia,
Happy Wednesday! I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your comment, so glad to hear it was a winner!
Loved this one! My boyfriend said this is his new favorite. Thanks so much for all your awesome recipes!
Hi Heather,
Happy Monday!!🌴 I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your comment, so glad to hear it turned out well for you! xT
I made this pasta recipe for dinner tonight it was excellent! everyone had seconds. I followed the recipe as written except for -the onions, red bell peppers, and garlic -I put them in a blender and puréed them until smooth then poured through a mesh strainer -to get the majority of the water out and proceeded with the recipe As written.
( but using that purée instead of the chopped cut veggies )
Did this to sneak veggies into dinner for picky eaters — it was awesome!
Thanks
Hey Jill,
Awesome!! Thanks so much for giving this dish a try and your comment, I love to hear it was a hit! 😊
Delicious pasta but all of the breading/cheese fell off my chicken. When I make it again, I will do a three step dredge.
Hi Kathryn,
Thanks for making this dish and sharing your feedback, so glad to hear the pasta was enjoyed! Sorry to hear you had some issues with the chicken! Let me know if you give it another try! xx
Delicious and simple to make!!
Hi Karen,
Amazing!! So glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for making it!! Have a great weekend! xx