Crac Chicken Penne: 7 Creamy Delights to Savor Today

Name: Crac Chicken Penne: 7 Creamy Delights to Savor Today
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups penne pasta; 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup spinach, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

By:

Christina R. Jones

October 23, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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Let me just tell you, crac chicken penne is an absolute game changer! It’s one of those dishes that makes you want to do a little happy dance in the kitchen. The creamy texture combined with the tender chicken and perfectly cooked penne pasta creates a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. I stumbled upon this recipe during one of those hectic weeknights when I was desperately searching for something quick yet satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients, I had a delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes! The moment I took my first bite, I knew I had hit the jackpot. It’s creamy, it’s cheesy, and it’s packed with flavor. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation, and you’ll be dreaming of it long after the last bite!

crac chicken penne - detail 1

Ingredients List

2 cups penne pasta
1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Prepare Instructions

Alright, let’s dive into making this mouthwatering crac chicken penne! I promise it’s super simple, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can have this creamy goodness on your table. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be a superstar in the kitchen!

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Cook the penne: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling away, toss in 2 cups of penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes. When it’s ready, drain the pasta and set it aside, but don’t rinse it – we want that starchy goodness to help the sauce stick later!
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You want those delicious bits stuck to the bottom of the pan for flavor!
Add garlic: Toss in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute. It’s time for that amazing aroma to fill your kitchen!
Make it creamy: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You’ll notice the sauce starts to thicken just a bit, which is exactly what we want!
Stir in the cheese: Add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir it in until it melts into your creamy sauce. This is where the magic really happens, folks!
Add spinach and pasta: Finally, fold in 1 cup of chopped fresh spinach and the cooked penne pasta. Mix everything together until well combined. The heat will wilt the spinach just perfectly.
Season and serve: Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve it hot, and get ready for everyone to rave about this delicious meal!

And there you have it! A creamy, comforting crac chicken penne that’s ready to impress. Enjoy every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
Creamy and Flavorful: The rich combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a luscious sauce that clings to every bite of penne, delivering a burst of flavor.
Customizable with Veggies: You can easily add your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, to make it even more nutritious and colorful.
Satisfying Main Course: With tender chicken and hearty pasta, this dish is filling enough to please even the hungriest of appetites!
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour this dish, making it a surefire hit at the dinner table!

Tips for Success

To ensure your crac chicken penne turns out absolutely perfect every single time, here are some handy tips I swear by!

Timing is Everything: Make sure to keep an eye on the penne while it’s cooking. You want it al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite but not hard. Check the package for timing, usually around 10-12 minutes, and taste a piece just before draining to be sure!
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, give each piece enough space in the skillet. If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of brown, and we want that beautiful golden color for flavor!
Perfectly Creamy Sauce: To achieve that luxurious creaminess, make sure to add the heavy cream after the chicken is nicely browned. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Also, don’t rush the simmering process; let it gently bubble for a minute or two to thicken.
Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese if you can! Pre-grated cheese often has anti-caking agents that can affect the melting process. Freshly grated will melt much more smoothly into your sauce.
Adjust to Your Taste: Be sure to taste your sauce before serving. Everyone’s palate is different, so add salt and pepper as needed to make it just right for you and your family!
Add Spinach Last: Fold in the chopped spinach right before serving. This keeps it vibrant and fresh, adding a lovely color and nutrients without overcooking it!

Just follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a crac chicken penne that’s a delightful hit every time. Happy cooking!

Variations

One of the best things about crac chicken penne is how adaptable it is! You can easily customize it to suit your mood or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to try:

Swap the Chicken for Shrimp: If you’re in the mood for seafood, replace the diced chicken with shrimp! Just sauté the shrimp until they’re pink and cooked through, and follow the rest of the recipe as usual. It adds a lovely ocean flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Load Up on Veggies: Want to sneak in some extra nutrients? Add colorful bell peppers, zucchini, or even broccoli! Just chop them up and toss them in with the garlic to cook for a couple of minutes before adding the heavy cream. Your dish will be as vibrant as it is delicious!
Whole Wheat Penne for a Healthier Twist: Using whole wheat penne instead of regular pasta is a fantastic way to boost the fiber content. It’ll also give your dish a slightly nuttier flavor, which complements the creamy sauce nicely.
Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños while cooking the chicken. It’ll give your crac chicken penne a kick that’s sure to wake up your taste buds!
Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate this dish to a whole new level. Toss in some chopped herbs right at the end for a burst of freshness, or use dried Italian seasoning while cooking the chicken for added flavor.

These variations not only keep things exciting but also let you put your own spin on this classic dish. So, go ahead and get creative! You’ll find that no matter how you tweak it, this crac chicken penne will always deliver deliciousness in every bite.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now, if you find yourself with any leftovers of that delicious crac chicken penne (which is rare, but it happens!), you’ll want to store it properly to keep all that creamy goodness intact. Here’s how to do it right:

First, let the pasta cool down to room temperature before putting it away. This helps prevent condensation in your storage container, which can make your dish soggy. Once it’s cooled, transfer your crac chicken penne to an airtight container. It’s best to store it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just be sure to label it, so you remember what deliciousness awaits!

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key to keeping that yummy flavor and texture. I recommend using the stovetop for the best results. Just scoop out the portion you want and place it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or a little extra cream to help bring back that silky sauce. Stir it gently until it’s warmed through, making sure not to let it cook too long so the chicken stays tender.

If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave. Just pop your portion in a microwave-safe bowl, add a splash of liquid, cover it loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until it’s heated to your liking. This method can sometimes dry it out, so watch it closely!

With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy that creamy crac chicken penne just as much the next day. Trust me, it’s worth savoring every last bite!

Nutritional Information Section

Let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this delightful crac chicken penne! While I always say that enjoying a meal is about more than just numbers, it’s nice to know what you’re putting into your body. Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values you can expect per serving of this creamy pasta dish:

Calories: 600
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 30g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes. If you make any substitutions, like using whole wheat penne or adding extra veggies, those will also affect the nutritional content. So, feel free to adjust according to your dietary needs and preferences!

Ultimately, it’s all about enjoying your food and savoring every bite of that luscious crac chicken penne. Happy eating!

FAQ Section

Got questions about crac chicken penne? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I get about this creamy, dreamy dish, along with my best answers to help you out.

How do I adjust the cooking time for larger servings?

If you’re scaling up the recipe to serve more people, the cooking time for the chicken and pasta will stay about the same. However, if you’re using a larger skillet or pot, you might need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Just make sure the chicken is cooked through before adding it to the sauce. And remember, if you’re making a lot of pasta, you might need to adjust the water quantity accordingly – just keep an eye on it!

Can I substitute the chicken with something else?

Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible. You can swap the chicken for shrimp, as I mentioned earlier, or even use diced turkey or cooked sausage for a different flavor. If you want a meatless version, try adding extra veggies or even some white beans for protein. The key is to adjust the cooking time based on what protein you choose to ensure everything is cooked perfectly!

What if my sauce is too thick?

Ah, the dreaded thick sauce! If you find your sauce is thicker than you’d like, just add a splash of chicken broth or a bit more heavy cream to loosen it up. Stir it in gently over low heat until you reach your desired consistency. It’s all about making it just right for your taste. And remember, the starchy pasta will soak up some of that sauce, so don’t worry too much if it seems a bit runny at first!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, like dicing the chicken and chopping the spinach, but I recommend cooking it fresh for the best flavor and texture. If you have leftovers, they’ll keep well in the fridge, as mentioned before! Just be sure to reheat gently to keep everything creamy and delicious.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you love a bit of heat, feel free to kick it up a notch! Add some red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic or toss in some diced jalapeños with the chicken. You can also serve it with a hot sauce on the side for those who want to spice things up even more. Your taste buds will thank you!

Hope these answers help you on your journey to creating the perfect crac chicken penne! If you have any more questions, just let me know, and happy cooking!