Southern Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne: A Creamy Southern

Rich, satisfying, and brimming with bold flavor, Southern Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne is a classic comfort dish with a regional twist. Creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce meets golden seared chicken and perfectly cooked penne pasta, creating a meal that feels like a warm Southern hug. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or impressing guests with a homestyle showstopper, this dish brings together culinary comfort and Southern sophistication.

A Culinary Bridge Between Italy and the South

To truly appreciate this dish, one must understand its roots. At first glance, the recipe mirrors a traditional Italian pasta entrée. However, with just a few changes—a dash of Cajun heat, smoked paprika, and that unmistakable Southern love for bold seasoning and cheese—it transforms into something entirely new.

Southern cooking often celebrates warmth, community, and rich flavors born of simple ingredients. This recipe captures that ethos by taking creamy chicken Alfredo and elevating it with regional character. The idea of using cheddar cheese, Cajun spice, and butter-laced garlic in tandem with Parmesan adds a smoky, buttery depth that is undeniably Southern.

Though pasta isn’t native to the American South, its inclusion in contemporary Southern kitchens speaks to a cuisine that continually evolves. In this recipe, penne plays the role of culinary ambassador—an Italian staple that graciously welcomes American flavor innovation.

What Makes This Dish Stand Out?

The secret lies in balance. Creaminess without being heavy. Spice without overwhelming heat. Cheese that melts into smooth velvet rather than becoming gritty. Southern Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne manages to deliver this harmony by layering flavors instead of rushing them. A proper sear on the chicken locks in juice, while the garlic-infused butter adds depth. The dual cheese blend of sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan rounds off the experience with a luscious finish.

Gathering the Right Ingredients

Cooking this dish to perfection starts with quality ingredients. Here’s a deeper look at what you’ll need and why each one matters:

12 oz Penne Pasta – Holds sauce beautifully with its tubular shape.
1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast – Lean protein that sears well.
Salt & Pepper to Taste – Essential for enhancing natural flavors.
1 tsp Garlic Powder – Adds a foundational garlicky layer.
1 tsp Smoked Paprika – Brings subtle heat and a touch of smokiness.
1 tsp Cajun Seasoning (optional) – Adds spice and complexity.
2 tbsp Olive Oil – For sautéing and adding a subtle richness.
3 tbsp Unsalted Butter – Acts as a flavor base and softens the garlic.
4 Cloves Garlic, Minced – Fresh garlic ensures aromatic depth.
1 cup Heavy Cream – Provides that silky sauce base.
½ cup Chicken Broth – Lightens the cream without diluting flavor.
¾ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese – Adds nuttiness and depth.
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese – For Southern creaminess.
1 tsp Dried Parsley – A bright garnish to cut through richness.

Breaking Down the Ingredients’ Nutritional Benefits

Beyond their flavor, many of the ingredients in this dish carry health benefits. Chicken is a lean protein that supports muscle growth and keeps you full. Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties and supports heart health. Olive oil and butter, though rich, contribute essential fats when used in moderation. Parmesan is high in calcium, while cheddar offers vitamin A. Even smoked paprika and Cajun seasoning contain antioxidants thanks to chili peppers and other spices. Together, they build not only a flavorful but also a nutrient-supportive meal—when eaten as part of a balanced diet.

Detailed Preparation Method for Southern Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

Crafting the perfect Southern Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne is a journey, not a sprint. Follow these steps for flawless execution:

Step One: Cook the Pasta
Boil water in a large pot and add salt generously. Drop in the penne and cook it just shy of al dente—about a minute less than the package recommends. Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse. That starchy water film helps the sauce cling better.

Step Two: Season and Sear the Chicken
Cut chicken breasts into thin strips. Pat them dry before seasoning—this ensures a good sear. Mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Cajun seasoning if using. Coat the chicken evenly.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil until shimmering. Add the chicken and cook without disturbing for 3–4 minutes per side until a golden crust forms. Remove and set aside.

Step Three: Create the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt gently. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant, not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently to deglaze the pan and lift the chicken fond (the flavorful brown bits) into the sauce.

Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly. This allows the sauce to thicken naturally without needing flour or cornstarch.

Step Four: Add the Cheeses
Lower the heat to prevent the cheese from breaking. Slowly whisk in the Parmesan first, ensuring it’s fully melted. Then follow with the cheddar, which melts smoothly into the creamy base. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and thick.

Step Five: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the penne. Toss gently but thoroughly so every piece of pasta and chicken is coated in that luxurious garlic-Parmesan sauce. Garnish with parsley and remove from heat.

Step Six: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot, ideally with a side of cornbread, roasted green beans, or a fresh Southern-style salad.

Nutritional Information Explained

Though rich and indulgent, this dish doesn’t have to derail a healthy lifestyle. A serving provides about 600–750 calories depending on portion size, with a solid blend of carbs from pasta, protein from chicken, and fats from the cream and cheeses. The use of olive oil and natural seasonings rather than processed sauces keeps additives low. To make it lighter, you could substitute light cream or half-and-half, and reduce cheese quantities slightly. Regardless, this dish is meant to nourish the soul—and sometimes, that’s just as important as any macronutrient count.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, fettuccine, rigatoni, or even rotini can be substituted. Just ensure it holds sauce well.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to rehydrate the sauce. Avoid microwaving without liquid—it dries out.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. It stores well in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight.

How spicy is this dish with Cajun seasoning?
Mild to moderate. Adjust the amount or omit it altogether based on your heat tolerance.

Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes, but it’s best frozen before the final cheese is added. Add the cheese fresh when reheating.

Can I make it dairy-free?
You can try using dairy-free cheese alternatives and full-fat coconut milk, but note that the flavor profile will change.

What wine pairs well with this recipe?
A lightly oaked Chardonnay or a dry Riesling complements the creamy, garlicky richness beautifully.

What can I serve as a side dish?
Buttermilk biscuits, collard greens, or a tangy cucumber-tomato salad are ideal Southern sides.

Conclusion

Southern Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne is more than just a recipe—it’s an invitation to slow down and savor the richness of homestyle cooking. Blending the comfort of creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce with the flair of Southern seasoning, this dish strikes a beautiful balance between decadence and simplicity. With its easy preparation, pantry-friendly ingredients, and incredible flavor, it’s poised to become a staple in any home cook’s rotation.

So next time you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and irresistibly Southern, remember this dish. Make it once, and it just might become your family’s new favorite.