Crac Chicken Penne Recipe
Introduction
Crac Chicken Penne is a creamy, spicy pasta dish that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Featuring tender, seasoned chicken paired with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, it’s sure to impress your family and friends.
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
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ 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, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and basil.
- Step 3: Rub the spice mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Step 4: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the 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, until a thermometer reads 165°F internally.
- 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 a few minutes after baking, then slice into strips.
- Step 8: In the same skillet, melt butter over low heat. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Cook until the sauce thickens.
- Step 9: Toss the cooked penne pasta in the creamy sauce, ensuring it is well coated.
- Step 10: Plate the pasta, top with sliced chicken, and garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor.
- Swap chicken for shrimp to make a seafood version of this dish.
- Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra color and nutrients.
- Try gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free option.
- For extra creaminess, stir in cream cheese or mascarpone into the sauce.
- Boost the heat by adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Experiment with herbs like thyme or chives alongside parsley for a fresh twist.
Storage
Store leftover Crac Chicken Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. For best texture, reheat the chicken separately to avoid overcooking.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare Crac Chicken Penne ahead of time?
Yes! You can season and sear the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. The pasta and sauce can also be made up to 3 days ahead and stored separately. Reheat the chicken in the oven and combine with warmed pasta and sauce when ready to serve.
What can I serve with this dish?
Garlic bread, a fresh side salad, or roasted vegetables are great accompaniments. A crisp white wine or sparkling water pairs well, and for dessert, consider a light chocolate mousse to complete the meal.
Print
Crac Chicken Penne Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crac Chicken Penne is a creamy, spicy pasta dish featuring tender seared and oven-baked chicken breast served over perfectly cooked penne pasta coated in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Infused with paprika, garlic, and herbs, this flavorful meal is easy to prepare, comforting, and versatile, perfect for weeknight dinners and meal prep alike.
Ingredients
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
- 1 tablespoon 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 a flavorful seasoning blend.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the spice mixture evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts, making sure every bite will be full of flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet with the chicken to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is fully cooked.
- 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, then slice into strips to keep it juicy and tender.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over low heat. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley, gently simmering until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked penne pasta in the creamy sauce, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated with the rich sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the creamy pasta and top with sliced chicken breasts. Optionally, garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- For a bolder garlic flavor, substitute garlic powder with fresh minced garlic when seasoning the chicken.
- You can prepare the chicken and pasta ahead of time, storing separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or chives for additional flavor in the cream sauce.
- To make it spicier, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce.
- Gluten-free penne pasta can be used for a gluten-free version without altering the cooking method.
- Serve with garlic bread and a fresh salad to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, baked chicken penne, creamy penne recipe, spicy chicken pasta, easy Italian pasta, weeknight dinner
