Cheesy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that combines tender, spiced chicken with a rich Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, it’s easy to prepare yet impressively delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 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 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). In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and basil.
2. Step 2: Rub the spice mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
3. Step 3: 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.
4. Step 4: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking, then slice it into strips.
7. Step 7: In the same skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
8. Step 8: Toss the cooked penne pasta with the creamy sauce until fully coated.
9. Step 9: Plate the pasta and top with the sliced chicken. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan, if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a stronger flavor.
• Swap penne with any pasta shape you prefer, such as rigatoni or fusilli.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.
• Fresh basil can replace dried oregano and basil for a brighter herbal note.
• Serve with garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftovers 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 has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chicken?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful result. Adjust baking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories, though the sauce will be less rich and creamy.

Cheesy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 109 reviews

Cheesy Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender seared and baked chicken breasts seasoned with a savory blend of spices. Tossed with penne pasta in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce and garnished with fresh parsley, this hearty meal is perfect for family dinners that impress with rich, comforting flavors.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: 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

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 12 oz penne pasta

For the Creamy Sauce

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare 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 basil to create a well-rounded seasoning blend.
3. Season the Chicken: Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the boneless, skinless chicken breasts, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
4. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet with the chicken to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is cooked through.
6. Cook the Penne: While the chicken bakes, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
7. Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Slice the chicken into strips.
8. Make the Creamy Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt butter over low heat. Stir in heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Cook gently until the sauce thickens and is smooth.
9. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked penne pasta in the creamy sauce until well coated and heated through.
10. Serve and Garnish: Plate the creamy penne pasta and top with the sliced chicken. Optionally sprinkle extra parsley and Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation. Serve immediately.

Notes

• For a bolder garlic flavor, substitute garlic powder with fresh minced garlic during seasoning and sauce preparation.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried oregano and basil to enhance aroma and taste.
• Half-and-half or whole milk can be used to lighten the cream sauce, though it will be less rich.
• Serve with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
• To ensure chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Keywords: Cheesy Crack Chicken Penne, creamy chicken pasta, baked chicken recipe, Parmesan cream sauce, penne pasta recipe