Crack Chicken Penne: A Quick, Creamy Dinner Adventure Recipe

Introduction

Crack Chicken Penne is a quick and creamy dinner that combines perfectly seasoned chicken with tender pasta in a rich Parmesan sauce. It’s an easy, flavorful meal that brings comfort and satisfaction to the table in under an hour.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon 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 (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready once the chicken is seared.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, and dried basil. Rub this seasoning evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes per side until they develop a golden crust.
4. Step 4: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20–25 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.
5. Step 5: While the chicken bakes, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. Step 6: When the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips to retain its juiciness.
7. Step 7: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley, cooking until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
8. Step 8: Toss the cooked penne pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring it is well coated.
9. Step 9: Serve the creamy pasta topped with sliced chicken. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce for a mild spicy kick.
• Substitute penne with rigatoni or fusilli for a different pasta texture.
• Use fresh herbs like thyme or basil instead of dried for a brighter taste.
• Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier result.

Storage

Store leftover Crack Chicken Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper seasoning absorption.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a similar creamy texture and flavor.

Crack Chicken Penne: A Quick, Creamy Dinner Adventure Recipe

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4.7 from 101 reviews

Crack Chicken Penne is a quick and creamy dinner recipe featuring perfectly seasoned and baked chicken breast served over tender penne pasta tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. This comforting and flavorful dish combines simple ingredients to create a satisfying meal ideal for busy weeknights.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken

• 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

For the Pasta

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 ounces penne pasta

For the Creamy Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot and ready once the chicken is seared.
2. Season the Chicken: Combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, and dried basil in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning mixture generously on both sides of the chicken breasts.
3. Sear for Flavor: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust.
4. Bake Until Juicy: Transfer the oven-safe skillet with chicken into the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken bakes, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente as per package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
6. Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices. After resting, slice the chicken into strips.
7. Make the Creamy Sauce: Using the same skillet (off the heat), melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Continue stirring gently until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened.
8. Combine Everything: Add the cooked penne pasta into the creamy sauce in the skillet. Toss well to coat every piece of pasta evenly with the sauce.
9. Serve: Plate the creamy pasta and top with the sliced chicken. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee it is safe to eat.
• Resting the chicken after baking helps keep it moist and juicy.
• You can substitute penne pasta with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.
• For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce may be less rich.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and gives a superior flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.

Keywords: Crack Chicken Penne, creamy chicken pasta, baked chicken breast, easy dinner recipe, Parmesan cream sauce