The Best Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe

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Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Pasta

An addictive, rich, and velvety pan-seared chicken and penne dinner adventure

★★★★★ (5.0 from 96 votes)

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 25 mins

Total Time 35 mins

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 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

For the Pasta

• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Or preferred cooking oil
• 12 oz Penne Pasta Any pasta shape can be used

For the Creamy Sauce

• 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

• 1
  Preparation Steps
• 2
  Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• 3
  In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and basil.
• 4
  Rub the spice mixture onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
• 5
  Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
• 6
  Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F.
• 7
  While the chicken bakes, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
• 8
  Let the baked chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
• 9
  In the same skillet, melt butter over low heat. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and parsley until thickened.
• 10
  Toss the cooked penne in the creamy sauce until well coated.
• 11
  Plate the pasta, top with sliced chicken, and garnish with additional parsley and Parmesan if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this dish called Crack Chicken Penne? The nickname comes from the incredibly addictive nature of the flavor profile! Combining a heavy blend of savory spices, garlic, rich butter, heavy cream, and sharp Parmesan cheese produces an ultra-indulgent sauce that people absolutely crave.

Can I make this recipe without an oven-safe skillet? Yes! If you do not own an oven-safe pan like cast iron, simply sear the chicken breasts in a standard frying pan on your stovetop, then transfer them onto a greased rimmed baking sheet or baking dish to complete the oven-baking phase.

How can I keep my cream sauce from splitting or curdling? Always keep the skillet temperature low when adding your dairy. High heat will cause the heavy cream and Parmesan to separate into a greasy mess. Sticking to low, gentle residual heat while stirring continuously guarantees a smooth, emulsified finish.

Can I substitute the heavy cream for something lighter? You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but keep in mind the sauce won't thicken up quite as naturally. To compensate, you may need to stir in a touch more grated Parmesan cheese or allow it a few extra minutes to simmer low.