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

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

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