Cheesy Crack Chicken Penne Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare 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 basil to create a well-rounded seasoning blend.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the boneless, skinless chicken breasts, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cook the Penne: While the chicken bakes, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked penne pasta in the creamy sauce until well coated and heated through.
- 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
