Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
Crac Chicken Penne is a flavorful and creamy pasta dish featuring oven-baked, herb-spiced chicken breasts served over penne pasta tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. This comforting meal combines tender, juicy chicken with al dente pasta and a luscious sauce, perfect for an easy yet impressive dinner.
- Author: Rami
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
For the Chicken
- 2 pieces Chicken Breast, boneless and skinless
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (or fresh garlic for bolder flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (fresh preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil (fresh preferred)
For the Pasta
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or preferred cooking oil)
- 12 oz Penne Pasta (any pasta shape can be used)
For the Creamy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Butter (unsalted preferred)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated is preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and basil to create a flavorful seasoning blend.
- Season the Chicken: Generously rub the spice mixture onto both sides of the chicken breasts to ensure even coating and flavor penetration.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown to lock in juices and develop flavor.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet with seared chicken into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer for safety and perfect doneness.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken bakes, cook the penne pasta in boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Then slice the chicken into strips for serving.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Cook gently while stirring until the sauce thickens slightly and is smooth.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly until each piece is well coated with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Plate and Garnish: Serve the creamy pasta on plates, top with the sliced baked chicken breasts, and garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Crac Chicken Penne!
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for a more robust flavor instead of garlic powder if preferred.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce the richness and calories of the sauce.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
- Any pasta shape can be substituted for penne depending on preference or availability.
- Leftover chicken and sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: chicken penne, creamy chicken pasta, baked chicken recipe, penne pasta recipe, easy dinner ideas