Crac Chicken Penne: Creamy Spicy Pasta with Baked Herb Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Crac Chicken Penne is a creamy, spicy pasta dish that combines tender, flavorful chicken with a luscious sauce and perfectly cooked penne. It’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and sure to impress your family.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking the chicken.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and basil to make the spice blend.
- Step 3: Rub the spice mixture evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts to season thoroughly.
- Step 4: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Step 5: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 6: Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 7: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking, then slice it into strips to keep it juicy.
- Step 8: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over low heat. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and parsley until the sauce thickens smoothly.
- Step 9: Toss the cooked penne pasta in the creamy sauce until well coated with flavor.
- 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.
- Swap chicken for shrimp to create a seafood version of this dish.
- Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
- Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
- For extra creaminess, stir in cream cheese along with the heavy cream.
- Experiment with herbs such as thyme or chives to brighten the sauce.
- Increase the heat by adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Storage
Store leftover Crac Chicken Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for 2-3 months and label them with the date. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid leaving cooked pasta at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, any pasta shape you prefer will work well. Penne is great for holding the creamy sauce, but rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle are good alternatives.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. This ensures it is safe to eat while remaining juicy.
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Crac Chicken Penne: Creamy Spicy Pasta with Baked Herb Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crac Chicken Penne is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender seared and oven-baked chicken breast seasoned with a savory blend of spices, combined with al dente penne pasta and tossed in a rich, luscious Parmesan cream sauce. This recipe offers a perfect balance of mild spice, herbaceous notes, and cheesy goodness, ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
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 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.
- 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 spice blend.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the spice mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well 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.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, indicating 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 to retain its juices. Then slice it into strips.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over low heat. Slowly stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Cook gently until the sauce thickens and becomes silky smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne to the creamy sauce and toss well to coat every piece of pasta in the rich sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the creamy penne pasta and top with the sliced chicken breasts. Optionally, garnish with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder and fresh herbs instead of dried.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushy texture after mixing with sauce.
- Make ahead: season and sear chicken up to 24 hours in advance; pasta and sauce can be prepared and refrigerated up to 3 days.
- Customize with vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used as a substitute for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Chicken penne, creamy chicken pasta, baked chicken recipe, creamy penne recipe, easy chicken dinner
