Creamy Spicy Chicken Penne Recipe

Introduction

Crac Chicken Penne is a creamy, spicy pasta dish that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Tender, flavorful chicken is paired with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce and perfectly cooked penne. It’s simple to make yet impressive enough to serve to family and friends.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and basil.
3. Step 3: Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
4. Step 4: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. 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.
6. Step 6: While the chicken bakes, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
7. Step 7: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips.
8. Step 8: In the same skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Cook gently until the sauce thickens.
9. Step 9: Toss the cooked penne pasta in the creamy sauce, coating it thoroughly.
10. Step 10: Serve the pasta topped with the sliced chicken. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a stronger, more vibrant flavor.
• Swap penne for rigatoni or fusilli for a different pasta shape that also holds sauce well.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra spicy kick.
• Fresh herbs like basil and oregano can be used instead of dried for a brighter, fresher taste.

Storage

Store leftover Crac Chicken Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result. Adjust baking time accordingly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is there a lighter alternative for the creamy sauce?

You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream to lighten the sauce, but it may be less rich and thick. Adding a small amount of cream cheese can help maintain creaminess if desired.

Creamy Spicy Chicken Penne Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 72 reviews

Crac Chicken Penne is a creamy, spicy pasta dish featuring tender seared and oven-baked chicken breast paired with al dente penne pasta. The sauce boasts a rich blend of butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley, delivering a luscious and flavorful meal perfect for family dinners.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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
• 1 tbsp olive oil

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

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to be ready for baking the chicken after searing.
2. Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, and dried basil. This will be your seasoning blend for the chicken.
3. Season the Chicken: Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts to ensure full flavor in every bite.
4. 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.
5. Bake the Chicken: Place the skillet with the seared chicken into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it is fully cooked.
6. Cook the Penne: While the chicken bakes, cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
7. Rest and Slice: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to retain its juices, then slice into strips.
8. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over low heat. Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Cook gently until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
9. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked penne pasta in the creamy sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated with the rich flavor.
10. Serve and Garnish: Plate the creamy penne and top with the sliced chicken breasts. Optionally, garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan for added color and taste.

Notes

• Using an oven-safe skillet allows seamless transition from stovetop searing to oven baking, simplifying cooking and cleanup.
• Fresh garlic can be substituted for garlic powder if a stronger garlic flavor is preferred.
• Adjust seasoning quantities according to personal taste to control the spice level.
• Half-and-half or whole milk can substitute heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but the creaminess will be reduced.
• Allowing the chicken to rest after baking helps maintain juiciness and tenderness.

Keywords: Chicken Penne Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Baked Chicken Recipe, Italian Pasta Dish, Spicy Chicken Pasta