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Crac Chicken Penne: Creamy Spicy Pasta with Baked Herb Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 54 reviews
  • Author: Gabriel
  • 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

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
  • 1/2 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

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the seared chicken.
  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 spice blend.
  3. Season the Chicken: Rub the spice mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated for maximum flavor.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  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: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices. Then slice it into strips.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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

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Find it online: https://gabriellangdon.com/crac-chicken-penne-creamy-spicy-pasta-with-baked-herb-chicken-recipe/