Description
Crac Chicken Penne is a creamy, spicy pasta dish featuring tender seared and oven-baked chicken breasts seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices. Tossed with perfectly cooked penne and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, this recipe offers a comforting yet vibrant meal that can be customized with various herbs, cheeses, or vegetables to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
For the Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Creamy Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready to bake the chicken after searing, allowing for even cooking.
- Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, and dried basil to create a flavorful seasoning blend.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the spice mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring the meat is fully coated for maximum flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown, locking in juices.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or 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 in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes to retain its juiciness, then slice into strips.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Cook gently until the sauce thickens into a silky consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked penne pasta in the creamy sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the creamy pasta and top with sliced chicken. Garnish with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese as desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Fresh herbs such as oregano and basil enhance the flavor; substitute dried if fresh is unavailable, but fresh is preferred.
- Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Gradually add heavy cream to prevent curdling and achieve a smooth sauce consistency.
- Cook pasta al dente to avoid sogginess, as it will continue to soften when mixed with sauce.
- For meal prep, season and sear chicken up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake before serving.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze up to 2-3 months.
- Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to restore sauce texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: chicken penne, creamy pasta, baked chicken, easy dinner, spicy chicken pasta, Parmesan sauce, penne recipe
