Crack Chicken Penne: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Have you ever tasted a pasta dish so good, it made you question your life choices up to that point? Like, why did I eat anything else before discovering this culinary masterpiece? That’s the kind of feeling you get with our Crack Chicken Penne: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. Prepare for a flavor explosion.

This isn’t your grandma’s penne (unless your grandma was a culinary ninja). This recipe is quick, easy, and ridiculously delicious, perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing your friends. Get ready for a taste sensation!

This Crack Chicken Penne boasts a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, even for beginner cooks. The beautiful, vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes. And finally, it’s so versatile – you can easily adapt it to your liking with different veggies or cheeses.

Ingredients for Crack Chicken Penne: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Chicken Breast Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease of cooking and tender results. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Penne Pasta Any brand will do, but choose a good quality pasta for the best texture and taste.

Garlic Fresh garlic adds a pungent and savory flavor. Mince it finely for even distribution.

Onion A yellow onion will add a bit of sweetness and depth of flavor. Chop it finely.

Cherry Tomatoes Halved or quartered cherry tomatoes add sweetness and juiciness.

Chicken Broth Low-sodium chicken broth will add flavor without being overly salty.

Olive Oil Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor and health benefits.

Italian Seasoning A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. You can also use individual herbs if you prefer.

Salt and Pepper To season the chicken and the sauce to your taste.

Parmesan Cheese (optional) Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, sharp, and umami element to the dish.

Fresh Basil Fresh basil adds a lovely, peppery flavor to the dish. Chop it before serving.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Crack Chicken Penne: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Set aside.

Step 2: Sautéing Aromatics

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Building the Sauce

Pour in one cup of chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and continue to simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.

Step 4: Combining Everything

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir in the cooked penne pasta until everything is well combined and heated through.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in the chopped fresh basil.

Step 6: Serving Suggestion

Serve immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired, and enjoy your incredibly delicious Crack Chicken Penne.

Recipe Card for Crack Chicken Penne

Yields: 4 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 pound penne pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Instructions:

1 Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2 Cook pasta according to package directions.

3 Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Set aside.

4 In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened.

5 Add chicken broth and tomatoes; simmer for 5 minutes.

6 Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce; heat through.

7 Stir in basil and Parmesan cheese (if using).

8 Serve immediately.

Enjoy your amazing Crack Chicken Penne!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken breast until golden brown, then set aside. Cook the penne according to package directions. While the pasta cooks, prepare the creamy sauce. Combine the cooked chicken and sauce with the pasta, and serve immediately for the best Crack Chicken Penne.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap the chicken for beef or turkey. Experiment with different herbs and spices, like adding sun-dried tomatoes or spinach. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option) adds a nice touch to this amazing Crack Chicken Penne.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to prevent dryness. This ensures your Crack Chicken Penne stays delicious.

I once made this Crack Chicken Penne for a potluck, and it vanished faster than a magician’s rabbit. People were raving about how flavorful and creamy it was.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken; it’s crucial for even browning and prevents steaming.
• Use high-quality ingredients; the better the ingredients, the better the taste of your Crack Chicken Penne.
• Taste and adjust seasoning as you go; this allows for perfect customization to your palate.

(Personal anecdote formated as paragraph subheading)

My grandmother used to make a similar dish, but with ground beef. I adapted it using chicken, and it became a family favorite, a true testament to the delicious adaptability of this recipe.

Crack Chicken Penne

: A Creamy Dream

This Crack Chicken Penne recipe is a game-changer. Forget everything you thought you knew about weeknight dinners because this dish is ridiculously easy, unbelievably delicious, and will have your family begging for more. We’re talking tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a creamy sauce that’s so good, you’ll want to bathe in it (just kidding… mostly). This isn’t your grandma’s chicken penne; it’s a flavor explosion, a culinary masterpiece, a symphony of deliciousness – you get the idea. Let’s dive in!

The Star of the Show

: The Chicken

The secret to truly amazing Crack Chicken Penne lies in perfectly cooked chicken. We’re not talking dry, boring chicken breast; we’re talking juicy, flavorful, slightly browned pieces of perfection. The key is to sear it first, creating a beautiful crust that locks in the juices and adds a depth of flavor you won’t find anywhere else. I’m using chicken breast here because it’s lean and cooks quickly, but you could easily substitute chicken thighs for a richer, more decadent experience. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly.

The Pasta Perfection

Now, let’s talk pasta. I’m using penne, because its tube shape perfectly captures the creamy sauce, but feel free to experiment with other shapes like rotini, farfalle, or even fusilli. The most important thing is to cook the pasta according to package directions. Don’t overcook it! We want it to be al dente—firm to the bite—so it holds its shape and doesn’t become mushy in the sauce.

Sauce So Good, It’s Criminal

The sauce is the heart and soul of this dish. It’s a creamy, dreamy concoction that’s both rich and flavorful. We’re going for a simple, yet elegant sauce, using ingredients that elevate the chicken and pasta to new heights. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Bringing it All Together

: The Crack Chicken Penne Assembly

Once your chicken is seared and your pasta is cooked, it’s time to assemble this culinary masterpiece. Combine the cooked chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly al dente pasta in a large bowl. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in that luscious, creamy sauce. And there you have it – Crack Chicken Penne.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Crack Chicken Penne immediately for the best results. Garnish with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative), and a drizzle of olive oil. You can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions about this Amazing Crack Chicken Penne

This amazing Crack Chicken Penne recipe is so easy to make, but you might still have some questions. Here are some answers to common questions.

What kind of chicken should I use?

Chicken breast is ideal because it’s lean and cooks quickly. However, chicken thighs will give you a richer flavor.

Can I use other pasta shapes?

Absolutely! Penne is a classic choice, but you can use rotini, farfalle, or fusilli.

How can I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

Can I make it ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.

This Crack Chicken Penne recipe is a keeper. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal, yet elegant enough for a dinner party. So, ditch the takeout menus and get cooking! You won’t regret it.

Conclusion for Crack Chicken Penne: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

This Crack Chicken Penne recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, easily adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs. From its creamy, flavorful sauce to the tender chicken, every bite is a burst of deliciousness. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility; making it a perfect weeknight meal or a show-stopping dish for a casual dinner party. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to be amazed by this ultimate comfort food experience! Enjoy!

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FAQs

Can I make this Crack Chicken Penne recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping. You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day or two in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, just cook the pasta, combine everything, and heat through. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so making it ahead might even enhance the taste! Just remember to store the chicken and sauce separately to prevent the pasta from getting soggy.

What can I substitute for the chicken in this Crack Chicken Penne recipe?

While chicken is delicious in this recipe, feel free to experiment! Lean beef, turkey, or even lamb would work wonderfully. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the protein you choose. Thicker cuts of meat will require longer cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked through. Remember to always prioritize food safety.

Is this Crack Chicken Penne recipe gluten-free?

The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free, but the type of pasta you use will determine the final result. To make it truly gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free penne pasta. Many brands offer delicious gluten-free pasta alternatives that cook up perfectly. Check the label of your chosen pasta to make sure it’s certified gluten-free if you have celiac disease or a severe gluten intolerance.

How do I make this Crack Chicken Penne recipe spicier?

For a fiery kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Start with a small amount and taste as you go, adding more until you reach your desired level of spiciness. You could also add a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end, or even some finely chopped jalapeños with the chicken while it’s cooking. This Crack Chicken Penne recipe is easily customizable to suit your spice preferences.