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Crac Chicken Penne with Creamy Spicy Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 122 reviews
  • Author: Marina
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Crac Chicken Penne is a creamy, spicy pasta dish featuring tender seared and oven-baked chicken breast seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices. Tossed with al dente penne pasta and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, this comforting meal is garnished with fresh parsley for brightness. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, it combines rich, warming herbs and easy-to-customize ingredients for a satisfying family-friendly recipe.

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
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for the chicken after searing.
  2. Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and basil to create a flavorful spice blend.
  3. Season the Chicken: Rub the spice mixture evenly onto both sides of the boneless, skinless chicken breasts, ensuring every bite is seasoned.
  4. 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 per side until golden brown.
  5. Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is fully cooked.
  6. Cook the Penne: While the chicken bakes, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  7. Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice into strips to maintain juiciness.
  8. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over low heat. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Cook gently until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
  9. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked penne in the creamy sauce, ensuring the pasta is thoroughly coated with the rich sauce.
  10. Serve and Garnish: Plate the creamy pasta and top with the sliced chicken. Optionally, sprinkle extra parsley and Parmesan cheese for garnish. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Chicken can be seasoned and seared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
  • Cooked pasta and cream sauce can be prepared ahead and refrigerated separately for up to 3 days.
  • For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream.
  • Adjust spice levels by adding jalapeños or hot sauce if desired.
  • Gluten-free pasta can be used to make this dish gluten-free.
  • Serve with garlic bread and fresh salad for a complete meal experience.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Chicken penne recipe, creamy chicken pasta, spicy chicken pasta, baked chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, penne pasta with cream sauce

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Find it online: https://marinamontclair.com/crac-chicken-penne-with-creamy-spicy-sauce-recipe/