Description
Crac Chicken Penne is a creamy, spicy pasta dish featuring perfectly seasoned and oven-baked chicken breast served over al dente penne pasta coated in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, garnished with fresh parsley for a flavorful and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
For the Pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 ounces penne pasta
For the Creamy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready to bake the chicken after searing.
- Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, and dried basil to create the seasoning blend for the chicken.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the spice mixture onto both sides of the chicken breasts to evenly coat and infuse them with flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is cooked through.
- Cook the Penne: While the chicken bakes, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips. Resting keeps the chicken juicy.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over low heat. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Cook and stir gently until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked penne pasta in the creamy sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the creamy pasta and top with the sliced chicken. Optionally, garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs like oregano and basil if available for enhanced flavor.
- Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safety.
- Add seasonal vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushy texture.
- For a spicier version, include chopped jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Make ahead by seasoning and searing chicken up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerating separately.
- Reheat leftovers gently on stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to maintain sauce consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Chicken penne, creamy pasta, baked chicken pasta, spicy chicken pasta, dinner recipe, comfort food
