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.
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 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
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the seared chicken, ensuring 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 mix.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the spice blend evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts to ensure each bite is well-flavored.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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: Allow the baked chicken to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven, then slice it into strips to maintain juiciness.
- 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.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the drained penne pasta into the creamy sauce, coating it thoroughly for optimal flavor.
- 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
