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
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the chicken after searing.
- 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.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cook the Penne: While the chicken is baking, prepare the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Rest and Slice: Once done baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain its juices, then slice it into strips.
- 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.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked penne pasta in the creamy sauce thoroughly so each piece is coated with the rich, flavorful mixture.
- 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
