Crac Chicken Penne

One of the best parts about making Crac Chicken Penne at home is the incredible aroma that fills your kitchen as you cook. The sizzle of the chicken hitting the hot pan, the garlic and onions caramelizing, and the spicy aroma of the Cajun seasoning all combine to create a symphony of smells that will make your mouth water in anticipation. It’s the kind of meal that makes your family wander into the kitchen, asking, “What’s for dinner?” before it’s even ready.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and bold flavors. The tender chicken, perfectly seasoned with Cajun spices, adds a kick that complements the creamy and slightly tangy sauce. Every bite is a perfect marriage of flavors and textures, with the penne pasta providing a hearty base to soak up all the delicious sauce. And the best part? It all comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a busy weeknight dinner.

As you take your first bite of Crac Chicken Penne, you’ll be met with a burst of flavors that will have you going back for seconds. The tender chicken, al dente pasta, and creamy sauce create a mouthwatering combination that’s sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation. And as you sit down to enjoy your meal, you’ll find that this dish is not just about feeding your body but also about feeding your soul, bringing comfort and joy with every bite.

So, next time you’re looking for a quick and flavorful meal to satisfy your cravings, give Crac Chicken Penne a try. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. And who knows, it might just become your new go-to favorite when you’re in need of a comforting and delicious meal.

Key Ingredients in Crac Chicken Penne

To create the unforgettable flavors of Crac Chicken Penne, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together to make this dish a true culinary delight. Let’s take a closer look at each component:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: The star of the show, chicken breast is lean and versatile, providing a protein-packed base for this dish. When seasoned with a blend of spices, it becomes tender and flavorful, adding a satisfying element to each bite.
• Salt: A fundamental seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and helps to balance the overall taste of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds a hint of heat and depth to the seasoning profile, complementing the other spices and ingredients.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses the chicken with a rich, aromatic flavor, adding a savory dimension to the dish.
• Onion Powder: Offers a sweet and slightly pungent taste that enhances the overall complexity of the chicken’s seasoning.
• Paprika: Provides a vibrant color and smoky flavor, adding depth to the dish and a subtle hint of spiciness.
• Dried Oregano and Dried Basil: These dried herbs bring a fresh and earthy aroma to the dish, elevating the overall flavor profile with their herbal notes.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken, olive oil adds richness and a hint of fruitiness to the dish, contributing to its savory character.
• Penne Pasta: The sturdy and tube-shaped pasta is perfect for capturing and holding onto the creamy sauce, creating a harmonious blend of textures in every bite.
• Butter: Adds richness and silkiness to the creamy sauce, providing a luxurious mouthfeel and enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luscious and velvety sauce that coats the pasta and chicken, adding a decadent touch to the dish.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: A classic ingredient that brings a salty and nutty flavor to the sauce, while also contributing to its creamy consistency.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley: Used as a garnish, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note to the finished dish, enhancing its visual appeal and flavor profile.

How to Make Crac Chicken Penne

Serving Suggestions for Crac Chicken Penne

1. Garlic Bread and a Fresh Side Salad: Elevate your Crac Chicken Penne experience by serving it with warm and garlicky bread alongside a crisp, refreshing side salad. The buttery garlic bread will help you soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce, while the vibrant salad adds a delightful contrast of flavors and textures to your meal. It’s a simple yet satisfying combination that brings a balance of richness and freshness to your dinner table.

2. Roasted Vegetables Medley: For a colorful and nutritious accompaniment to your Crac Chicken Penne, consider roasting a medley of seasonal vegetables. Whether it’s tender asparagus spears, sweet bell peppers, or earthy mushrooms, roasted veggies add a delightful sweetness and caramelized depth to your meal. The roasted vegetables not only complement the flavors of the dish but also provide a hearty and wholesome touch that rounds out the meal perfectly.

3. Homemade Garlic Knots: Treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of homemade garlic knots to serve alongside your Crac Chicken Penne. These fluffy and aromatic knots are a fun and flavorful addition to your dinner spread, offering a garlicky and buttery indulgence that pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta and savory chicken. From tying the knots to brushing them with garlic butter, making these delightful bites is a rewarding culinary experience that takes your meal to the next level of comfort and satisfaction.

How to Store Crac Chicken Penne

After indulging in the delightful flavors of Crac Chicken Penne, you might find yourself with some leftovers that you want to savor for another meal. To ensure that this dish stays fresh and delicious for future enjoyment, here are a few simple ways to store it properly.

One easy method to store your Crac Chicken Penne is to transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent air from entering and compromising the flavors of the dish. Place the container in the refrigerator and store it for up to 3-4 days to maintain its freshness.

If you have a larger batch of Crac Chicken Penne and want to keep it for a longer period, consider freezing individual portions for later consumption. Divide the leftovers into freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen Crac Chicken Penne can be kept for up to 2-3 months, allowing you to enjoy this delicious meal whenever you crave a comforting and flavorful dinner.

When you’re ready to enjoy your stored Crac Chicken Penne, simply reheat it in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, and once the pasta and chicken are warmed through, serve and savor the flavors all over again. Remember that reheated pasta dishes often taste even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld and intensify, providing a delicious and convenient meal that’s as satisfying as the first time you enjoyed it.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve just embarked on a flavorful culinary journey with Crac Chicken Penne, a dish that promises to delight your taste buds and warm your soul. From the tantalizing aromas that fill your kitchen to the rich and creamy flavors that dance on your palate, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

With just a handful of simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up a gourmet meal that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. The bold Cajun-spiced chicken, luscious cream sauce, and al dente penne pasta come together in a symphony of flavors that will have you craving more with every bite.

So, go ahead and print out this recipe to keep it handy for your next cooking adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or new to the kitchen, Crac Chicken Penne is a dish that’s sure to impress and satisfy. And remember, I’m here to help if you have any questions, need tips, or want to share your experience with this delicious recipe.

Thank you for joining me in the kitchen, and happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Crac Chicken Penne

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 45 mins

Calories: 580

Description

Tender penne pasta tossed in a creamy, cheesy sauce with succulent shredded crack chicken. This dish is a flavor explosion with hints of garlic, herbs, and a touch of heat. A must-try for pasta lovers!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound penne pasta

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and basil.
3. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with the spice mixture.
4. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
5. Sear the chicken breasts until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
7. While the chicken is baking, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
8. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
9. In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.
10. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley to the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
11. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
12. Serve the creamy pasta on plates and top with sliced chicken breasts.
13. Garnish with additional parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
14. Enjoy your delicious Crac Chicken Penne!

Note

• Make sure to properly season the chicken breasts with the spice mixture for flavorful results.
• Use an oven-safe skillet to easily transfer the chicken from stovetop to oven.
• Let the chicken rest before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute for a juicier result.
• For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
• Feel free to add extra ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms for additional flavor and nutrients.
• Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Crac Chicken Penne, Creamy chicken pasta, Cheesy pasta bake, Baked chicken pasta, Italian chicken dish