Description
Crac Chicken Penne is a creamy and flavorful Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring tender oven-baked chicken breasts seasoned with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. Combined with penne pasta tossed in a rich Parmesan and cream sauce, this recipe offers a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, and dried basil to create the seasoning blend.
- Season Chicken: Evenly coat both sides of the chicken breasts with the mixed spices.
- Heat Olive Oil: Warm the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear Chicken: Sear the chicken breasts in the skillet until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.
- Cook Pasta: While the chicken bakes, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
- Melt Butter: Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat to prepare the sauce base.
- Make Cream Sauce: Add heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley to the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat it in the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy pasta and top with sliced chicken breasts for a complete dish.
- Garnish: Optionally garnish with additional chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese to enhance presentation and flavor.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Crac Chicken Penne!
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you prefer a spicy kick.
- Fresh parsley enhances flavor but can be substituted with dried parsley if unavailable.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best cheese flavor and melting quality.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
