Crac Chicken Penne: A Quick, Creamy Dinner Adventure Recipe

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the tantalizing aroma of spices swirling in the kitchen to spark excitement for dinner. Crac Chicken Penne is a creamy, spicy pasta dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This flavorful meal combines tender chicken with a rich, velvety sauce that hugs every penne piece, delighting everyone at the table.

A black round bowl filled with creamy pasta dish showing three main layers; the base layer has pale yellow penne pasta scattered throughout, the middle layer contains a thick, white cream sauce enveloping the pasta, and the top layer has lightly browned, grilled chicken pieces spread evenly over the pasta. Small green parsley bits and black pepper flakes are sprinkled on top, adding touches of green and black contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some parsley leaves around it, and a bit of pasta is seen in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 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)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or preferred cooking oil)
  • 12 oz penne pasta (any pasta shape can be used)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted preferred)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the 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 to create the spice blend.
  3. Step 3: Rub the spice mixture onto both sides of the chicken breasts to ensure full flavor.
  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 it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  6. Step 6: While the chicken bakes, cook penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  7. Step 7: Allow the baked chicken to rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips to keep it juicy.
  8. Step 8: In the same skillet, melt butter over low heat. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and parsley until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
  9. Step 9: Toss the cooked penne in the creamy sauce, coating it well with the flavorful mixture.
  10. Step 10: Plate the pasta, top with sliced chicken, and garnish with additional parsley and Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

  • Use fresh oregano and basil if available for a brighter, more aromatic flavor.
  • Swap chicken for shrimp to create a seafood variation.
  • Add sautéed seasonal vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute regular penne with gluten-free pasta.
  • Increase the heat by adding chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
  • To make the sauce even creamier, stir in some cream cheese or mascarpone along with the heavy cream.
  • Experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme or chives for a different herbaceous note.
  • Try different cheeses such as Pecorino Romano or a blend of your favorites to vary the flavor.

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; label with the date. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid leaving cooked pasta at room temperature for more than 2 hours to maintain safety and quality.

How to Serve

The dish shows a close-up of creamy pasta with pieces of grilled chicken on top, all served in a round black bowl. The bottom layer is al dente penne pasta in a light yellow color, mixed evenly with a thick, smooth, white creamy sauce. On top, there are golden brown grilled chicken strips scattered generously, with small green parsley flakes sprinkled over for freshness, and a light dusting of black pepper adds texture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with some chopped parsley nearby, creating a fresh and inviting look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

How do I choose the best chicken for this recipe?

For this recipe, select boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure quick cooking and tenderness. Fresh chicken should have a pale color without discoloration. If using frozen chicken, fully thaw it before cooking to avoid uneven doneness.

What is the best way to store leftover Crac Chicken Penne?

Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Let the dish cool slightly before sealing to reduce condensation, which can affect texture and flavor.

Print
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Crac Chicken Penne: A Quick, Creamy Dinner Adventure Recipe


  • Author: Lila
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Crac Chicken Penne is a quick and creamy pasta dish that combines tender chicken breast seasoned with bold Cajun spices, baked to perfection, and served over al dente penne pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce made from butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in under 35 minutes, this flavorful and spicy dinner is perfect for busy weeknights and can be easily customized with shrimp, vegetables, or gluten-free pasta.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 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 unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it 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 to create the seasoning blend for the chicken.
  3. Season the Chicken: Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure every bite is flavorful.
  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 they develop a golden-brown crust.
  5. Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
  6. Cook the Penne: While the chicken is baking, prepare the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  7. Rest and Slice: Once done baking, let the chicken 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 unsalted butter over low heat. Gradually stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley, cooking until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
  9. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked penne pasta in the creamy sauce thoroughly so each piece is coated with the rich, flavorful mixture.
  10. Serve and Garnish: Plate the creamy pasta, top with the sliced baked chicken, and garnish with additional fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs like oregano and basil when possible for a more vibrant flavor.
  • Always check chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption using a meat thermometer.
  • To avoid curdled sauce, add heavy cream slowly to melted butter over low heat while stirring continuously.
  • Cook pasta until just al dente to maintain perfect texture when mixed with sauce.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months.
  • Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
  • Feel free to substitute penne with gluten-free pasta or other pasta shapes depending on preference.
  • Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
  • Shrimp can be swapped in place of chicken for a seafood variation.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Pasta
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Crac Chicken Penne, creamy chicken pasta, Cajun chicken pasta, quick dinner, baked chicken pasta, spicy creamy penne, weeknight pasta dish

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