Southern Garlic Parmesan Chicken Shells

This Southern Garlic Parmesan Chicken Shells dish brings bold, comforting flavors straight to your table in under 30 minutes. Tender chicken strips are seasoned with a lively blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and Cajun spices, then combined with tender shell pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. Each bite bursts with warmth and indulgence, perfect for cozy family dinners or a quick weeknight treat.

The marriage of melted Parmesan and cheddar cheeses creates a luscious, velvety sauce that clings to every piece of pasta and chicken. The hint of Southern spice adds a subtle kick, making this meal vibrant yet approachable. Whether served with a fresh salad or warm garlic bread, it’s sure to become a household favorite.

Ingredients

• 12 oz shell pasta: Small, curved pasta shells that hold sauce beautifully, creating perfect bites.
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast: Tender white meat cut into strips ensures quick and even cooking.
• Salt & pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a warm, pungent garlic flavor to the chicken seasoning mix.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: Provides a subtle smoky note characteristic of Southern cuisine.
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (optional): Adds a mild heat and deep spice for those who enjoy a little kick.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing chicken, providing a light and fruity base fat.
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and depth to the creamy sauce without excess saltiness.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic imparts sharp aromatic notes that brighten the sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luxurious and velvety base for the cheese sauce.
• ½ cup chicken broth: Adds savory moisture and balances creaminess with mild umami.
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp, nutty cheese that melts smoothly into the creamy sauce.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a mellow sharpness and creamy texture to the sauce.
• 1 tsp dried parsley: Provides a fresh, herbaceous finish and bright color contrast.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta to Al Dente

Boil the shell pasta according to package directions until it reaches an al dente texture, ensuring it has just the right firmness to hold the sauce well without becoming mushy.

Season the Chicken Strips

In a medium bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and optional Cajun seasoning. Toss the chicken strips to coat evenly, which allows the spices to penetrate and develop flavor during cooking.

Sauté Chicken Until Golden

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips in a single layer to ensure even browning. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.

Sauté Fresh Garlic in Butter

Reduce heat to medium and melt unsalted butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to release its fragrance without burning, forming the aromatic base of the sauce.

Create the Creamy Sauce Base

Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Allow the liquid to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes so it thickens slightly, intensifying flavors and preparing for the cheese incorporation.

Incorporate Cheeses and Season

Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan and shredded cheddar until fully melted, creating a smooth, velvety sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning at this stage to balance saltiness and spice perfectly.

Toss Pasta and Chicken in Sauce

Add the drained pasta and cooked chicken strips back into the skillet. Gently toss everything together to coat all components evenly with the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful and indulgent.

Garnish and Serve Immediately

Sprinkle dried or fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh herbal note. Serve the dish hot to fully enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy chicken pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, roasted seasonal vegetables, or warm garlic bread to soak up any remaining sauce. A chilled glass of white wine or iced tea complements the Southern flavors beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta such as penne or rotini would work well and hold the sauce similarly.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the chicken broth and seasonings do not contain gluten.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and pasta separately in advance, but assemble and finish the sauce just before serving for best quality.

How spicy is this dish?

The Cajun seasoning adds mild heat; omit or reduce it for a milder flavor or increase for more spice.

Can I substitute the cheeses?

Parmesan cheese is essential for the signature flavor, but you can experiment with other sharp cheeses like Asiago or a mild mozzarella instead of cheddar.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half mixed with a bit of flour for thickening, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.

How can I make this dish lighter?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of butter used in the sauce.

Southern Garlic Parmesan Chicken Shells

This creamy Southern chicken dish combines tender chicken strips and shell pasta in a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce with smoked paprika and Cajun spice for a comforting, flavorful meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course dinner, poultry

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• 1 medium pot
• 1 large skillet
• 1 medium bowl

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz shell pasta
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast cut into strips
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning optional
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp dried parsley or fresh

Instructions

 

• Cook shell pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
• Season chicken strips with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and optional Cajun seasoning.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken in a single layer until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
• In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
• Stir in grated Parmesan and shredded cheddar cheeses until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
• Return cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet and gently toss to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
• Garnish with dried or fresh parsley and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Roast garlic before adding for extra flavor.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best taste and texture.
• Increase Cajun seasoning or add red pepper flakes for more heat.
• Pairs well with salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently, adding cream or broth if needed.