Southern Creamy Parmesan Chicken (Print Version)
Crispy parmesan-crusted chicken atop creamy cajun-spiced pasta with bell peppers, onions, and a velvety cheese sauce.
# Ingredients:
→ Chicken and Breading
01 -
1 pound chicken cutlets or tenders
02 -
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
03 -
1 1/2 cups grated parmesan cheese
04 -
Kosher salt, to taste
05 -
Black pepper, to taste
→ Pasta and Vegetables
06 -
1 pound short cut pasta
07 -
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
08 -
2 bell peppers, chopped
09 -
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
10 -
3-4 teaspoons cajun seasoning
11 -
Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
→ Sauce Ingredients
12 -
2 cups milk
13 -
1/2 cup heavy cream or canned coconut milk
14 -
2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
15 -
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
16 -
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
# Steps:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 -
In a shallow bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup of the grated parmesan. Dredge both sides of the chicken through the mixture, pressing firmly to adhere. Set aside.
03 -
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the bell peppers and garlic, cooking for another 5 minutes until the peppers are tender. Stir in the cajun seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the milk and heavy cream, and add the cream cheese. Whisk until smooth and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5-8 minutes until slightly thickened.
04 -
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a separate large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to a cutting board, season with salt, and slice into thin strips.
05 -
Stir the remaining grated parmesan into the sauce and then toss in the cooked pasta. Cook for 3-5 minutes over low heat until the pasta is well coated. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
06 -
Divide the creamy pasta among plates and top with sliced chicken. Serve immediately and enjoy!
# Notes:
01 -
Homemade cajun seasoning can be prepared by mixing smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, chili powder, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper.