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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:Â 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.Â
My daughter loves this site and sent me this recipe to make so I made this recipe this evening and it was so delicious!! I will definitely be making this again!! I also made homemade bow tie pasta to go with it!! This is an absolute favorite!!
Hey Kim,
Happy Friday!! I am thrilled to hear this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a bunch for giving it a go! xxT
Delicious and easy! Definitely recommend. I’ve loved HBH for a long time now and have never been disappointed by her recipes!
Hey Hannah,
Thanks so much for making this recipe, I am thrilled to hear that it was enjoyed! Have a great day:) xxT
Made this last night and WOW! Instantly became a favorite! I did add a little more than a “dash” of crushed red pepper flakes. I thought the flavor was amazing, my husband said (even though I think he loved it more than I did) he could use even a little more spice so I will do that next time, but it was amazing!
Hey Elizabeth,
Happy Friday!! Love hearing that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a bunch for giving it a try! xxT
I even omitted the cream cheese (simply because I forgot to buy it and wasn’t going back to the store), so I added a little pepper jack, and it was delicious! I’ve made so many of HBH recipes and they have all been great.
Hey Kim,
Happy Friday!! Love hearing that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a bunch for giving it a try! xxT
So yummy! I wasn’t sure if I would love the Cajun seasoning but it was perfect. Really hit the spot on a cold snowy night.
Hi Kim,
Thanks so much for making this recipe, I am thrilled to hear it was enjoyed. Thanks for sharing your comment! xTieghan
Your recipes never miss! And this one is seriously genius! Just made this tonight, and it was seriously so delicious! I love coming to your page and finding delicious and unique recipes that never disappoint!
Hi Maura,
Wonderful!! I am so so glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed. Thanks a bunch for making it! xT
Nom nom nom. Literally shared with 5 people half way through eating because it was that good. Scaled the recipe back for 2 and just devoured it. Can’t wait to make again.
Hey Maddie,
Wonderful!! I am so so glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed. Thanks a bunch for making it! xT
This was okay. I could’ve done without the cream cheese and just had heavy cream and milk instead – the sauce was really thick – and I probably would’ve used 1/2 pound or 3/4 lb pasta instead of the full pound to have more sauce. The flavors were good, especially with homemade cajun spice. I just don’t think this was the recipe for me.
Hi Zoe,
Thanks for giving the recipe a try, sorry to hear you didn’t love it! xTieghan
Amazing! I will be making this again with a little less cayenne pepper haha! When my husband grabs a second plate, I know it’s good! Thank you for sharing your recipe!
Hi Elaina,
Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! xTieghan
Too good. We made some for dinner and could not stop eating! I added some salt and pepper to the chicken before breading, but I don’t think it really needed it.
Hey Deborah,
Fantastic!! I am so glad that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for giving it a try. Have the best week! xTieghan
Sounds delicious and i’d Like to make it, but I have a question. Do you cook the pasta before adding it to the sauce?
Hi Lyn,
Yes, those instructions are listed in step 1. I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
Easy and delicious!! My husband finished his first and asked if I needed help finishing mine lol We both loved it. Will def be a new staple for us. Oh, and I did not let him have any of mine!
Hey Taylor,
I love to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks so much for testing it out! Have a great week! xTieghan
Absolutely delicious! I already had McCormick perfect pinch Cajun seasoning on hand and it was so tasty! Awesome recipe, will definitely make again.
Hey Danielle,
Thank you so very much for trying this recipe, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! xxTieghan
Made this last night and it was wonderful! I used egg and flour to dredge the chicken and it really helped keep the breadcrumbs on the chicken. I also use broth instead of the milk. The seasoning was great!
Hey Alex,
Thanks you so very much for trying this recipe, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! xxTieghan
Made this tonight. So good! This will definitely be in the rotation. My only mistake was letting the pasta sit in the sauce too long. It soaked it all up!
Hi Charity,
Fantastic! Thanks a lot for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! Happy New Year!? xxT