Dinner

Crac Chicken Penne with Creamy Spicy Sauce Recipe

ByMarina Montclair December 27, 2025December 27, 2025

Introduction

Crac Chicken Penne is a creamy, spicy pasta dish that promises to impress your family with its bold flavors and comforting texture. Tender chicken breasts seasoned with aromatic spices pair perfectly with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce and al dente penne. It’s a delicious weeknight dinner that feels special yet is easy to prepare.

The image shows a close-up of a black bowl filled with creamy chicken Alfredo pasta. The dish has three main layers: penne pasta in a light yellow color, coated in a thick, creamy white Alfredo sauce, and pieces of grilled chicken with a light brown char on the edges evenly mixed throughout. The Alfredo sauce smoothly covers most of the pasta, with some pasta edges sticking out. Small green parsley leaves are scattered on top, adding a fresh contrast to the creamy and light colors. A few black pepper specks are sprinkled lightly across the dish. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some parsley leaves scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
2 tablespoons olive oil
12 ounces penne pasta
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and basil to create the seasoning blend.
Step 3: Rub the spice mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts to infuse flavor.
Step 4: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Step 5: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is fully cooked.
Step 6: While the chicken bakes, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 7: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking, then slice it into strips.
Step 8: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and parsley, cooking until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 9: Toss the cooked penne pasta in the creamy sauce until well coated.
Step 10: Serve the creamy pasta topped with sliced chicken. Optionally, garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese for a beautiful finish.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a bolder flavor.
Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood alternative, cooking shrimp until just pink.
Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to boost color and nutrition.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Add a pinch of chili flakes or fresh jalapeños for extra heat.
For a richer sauce, incorporate cream cheese or mascarpone along with the heavy cream.
Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or chives to brighten the dish.
Try different cheeses such as Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
Replace the spice mix with a Cajun seasoning blend for a southern-inspired twist.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken, pasta, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Gently reheat the pasta and sauce on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent curdling. Combine before serving for best results.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a black round bowl filled with creamy chicken penne pasta. The dish has three main layers: the bottom layer is a light creamy sauce covering the base of the bowl, the middle layer consists of tender, grilled chicken strips with a slight golden brown sear, and the top layer features al dente penne pasta mixed evenly with the chicken and sauce. Small green parsley bits are sprinkled on top along with a light dusting of black pepper, adding color contrast. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with scattered parsley leaves around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of penne?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions to achieve the perfect al dente texture.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative, and use a dairy-free cheese substitute or omit the cheese altogether. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be different but still delicious.