Description
This Crac Chicken Penne is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken and creamy sauce with perfectly cooked penne. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner with friends or family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 is preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (For garnish)
Instructions
- Start by preparing the chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and basil. Make sure to coat both sides evenly. This step is crucial for flavor, so don’t rush it. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the spices.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to shimmer, indicating it’s hot enough. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for exactly 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Avoid moving the chicken around in the skillet to get a nice sear.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting time helps keep it juicy. While the chicken rests, you can start boiling water for the penne pasta.
- In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes until al dente. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste a piece to check for doneness!
- While the pasta cooks, slice the rested chicken into strips. In the same skillet used for the chicken, add 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until melted. Add the sliced chicken back to the skillet.
- Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir, scraping any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the creamy chicken sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat through.
- Finally, garnish your Crac Chicken Penne with freshly chopped parsley before serving. The vibrant color adds a nice touch and a hint of freshness. Enjoy your meal!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: For a lighter option, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also use zucchini noodles instead of pasta for a low-carb version.