Crac Chicken Penne with Creamy Spicy Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Discover the creamy, spicy goodness of Crac Chicken Penne—a dish that combines tender seared chicken with perfectly cooked pasta in a luscious Parmesan sauce. This comforting meal is quick to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.

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
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and basil to create the spice blend.
3. Step 3: Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts for full flavor.
4. Step 4: 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 golden brown.
5. Step 5: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Step 6: Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
7. Step 7: Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
8. Step 8: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over low heat. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and parsley, cooking until the sauce thickens.
9. Step 9: Toss the cooked penne in the creamy sauce until well coated.
10. Step 10: Serve the pasta topped with sliced chicken. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a bolder flavor.
• Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist, cooking until pink and tender.
• Add sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to incorporate more veggies.
• Try gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
• Boost the sauce’s richness by stirring in cream cheese or mascarpone.
• Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor.
• Spice it up by adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

Storage

Store leftover chicken, pasta, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken by baking at 375°F until warmed through, and gently warm the pasta with sauce on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape will work well. Penne is great because it holds the creamy sauce nicely, but fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle are also excellent choices.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast to maintain the cheesy flavor.

Crac Chicken Penne with Creamy Spicy Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 100 reviews

• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Crac Chicken Penne is a creamy and spicy pasta dish featuring tender, oven-baked chicken breast seasoned with a robust blend of spices and paired with penne pasta tossed in a rich Parmesan and heavy cream sauce. This crowd-pleasing meal balances bold flavors with a luscious texture, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil

For the Pasta

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 12 oz penne pasta

For the Creamy Sauce

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the seared chicken, ensuring even cooking.
2. 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 mix.
3. Season the Chicken: Rub the spice blend evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts to ensure each bite is well-flavored.
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 on each side until golden brown.
5. Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
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: Allow the baked chicken to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven, then slice it 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 fresh parsley, cooking until the sauce thickens.
9. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the drained penne pasta into the creamy sauce, coating it thoroughly for optimal flavor.
10. Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta and top it with the sliced chicken. Optionally, garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

• For a bolder garlic flavor, substitute garlic powder with minced fresh garlic.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried for an enhanced aromatic profile.
• To lighten the sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
• Meal prep tip: Season and sear chicken up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate; pasta and sauce can be prepared separately and stored for up to 3 days.
• Customize by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the pasta for extra nutrients.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute penne with gluten-free pasta.
• Adjust heat by adding jalapeños or hot sauce to the seasoning blend or sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: creamy chicken penne, baked chicken pasta, spicy chicken pasta, easy dinner recipe, creamy pasta dish, weeknight meal