Crack Chicken Pasta - delicious Canadian chicken recipe
Easy

Crack Chicken Pasta

(631)
35 min4578 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|January 15, 2024

This Crack Chicken Pasta recipe is a Canadian favourite that brings incredible flavour to your dinner table with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend cooking, this dish features tender, juicy chicken paired with carefully balanced seasonings that the whole family will love. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or cooking for guests, this recipe delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results every time. Every step has been tested in Canadian kitchens using ingredients available at your local grocery store. With a prep time of just 10 minutes, you can have this delicious meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of simple techniques and bold flavours makes this one of the most requested chicken recipes on our site. Bookmark this page and add it to your regular rotation — you will not be disappointed.

chicken-pastack-pastacrack-chicken-pennepenne-pasta-with-chicken

Ingredients

Servings:
4

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Mise en Place Saves Time

Even for quick recipes, spend 3 minutes measuring and prepping everything before you turn on the heat. It sounds counterintuitive, but it actually speeds up cooking because you're never scrambling mid-recipe.

Use a Meat Thermometer

The only reliable way to know chicken is safe and perfectly cooked is an instant-read thermometer. Pull at 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part. No guessing, no cutting into it and losing juices.

Save That Pasta Water

Always reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining. Adding it to your sauce creates a silky emulsion that clings to the noodles perfectly — it's the restaurant secret for glossy pasta.

About This Recipe

Crack Chicken Pasta is a delightful Canadian comfort food that makes weeknight dinners a breeze. This dish is a harmonious blend of tender chicken breast cooked in a creamy, garlic-infused sauce that’s enriched with Parmesan cheese. The smooth texture of the heavy cream perfectly coats the pasta, creating an indulgent meal that feels luxurious yet is surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether it's a busy Tuesday or a relaxed Sunday gathering, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike.

Home cooks across Canada adore this dish not only for its rich flavour but also for the ease with which it comes together. With just 10 minutes of prep and a total cook time of 35 minutes, it's perfect for those evenings when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a touch of brightness, making it an all-around favourite that you’ll find yourself returning to time and again.

Tips for the Best Crack Chicken Pasta

To ensure your Crack Chicken Pasta is perfectly cooked, monitor the chicken's internal temperature, which should reach 74°C (165°F) for safe consumption. Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can dry out; sauté it until just cooked through before adding the cream. Stirring in the Parmesan cheese off the heat helps create a creamy sauce without clumping, maintaining that velvety texture that makes this dish so irresistible.

What to Serve With It

For a delightful dining experience, serve your Crack Chicken Pasta with a side of garlic bread and a fresh Caesar salad, which adds a crisp, tangy contrast to the creamy pasta. A light Pinot Grigio or a crisp Canadian white wine complements the dish beautifully. This combination not only elevates the meal but also brings a touch of the local culinary scene to your table.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers of Crack Chicken Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to prevent dryness. If you want to freeze it, place the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and enjoy the comforting flavours once again.

Nutrition Per Serving

578
Calories
43g
Protein
22g
Fat
51g
Carbs
Fiber5g
Sugar3g
Sodium578mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?+

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for traditional pasta, you can substitute it with penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?+

If you're looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream. Keep in mind that this may alter the creaminess of the sauce slightly.

How can I make this dish spicier?+

To add some heat to your Crack Chicken Pasta, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the creamy sauce while cooking. This will give a nice kick without overpowering the dish.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?+

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead, then cook the pasta just before serving. Keep the chicken and sauce in the fridge for up to two days, and combine them with freshly cooked pasta for a quick meal.

What’s the best way to reheat this dish?+

To reheat Crack Chicken Pasta without drying it out, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat. Adding a splash of cream or chicken broth will help maintain its creamy texture.

Reviews

4.8 / 5 (631 reviews)
Sarah B.
Jun 10, 2025

Made this for a dinner party and everyone asked for the recipe.

Michael B.
Apr 8, 2025

The flavours are incredible. Restaurant quality at home!

Michael M.
Apr 10, 2025

My family loved this recipe. Will definitely make again!

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:
10 min
Cook:
25 min
Total:
35 min
Servings:
4
Difficulty:
Easy

Pro Tips

  • 1Always pat chicken dry before cooking for the best sear and crispiest skin.
  • 2Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) for food safety.
  • 3Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.

Variations

  • Substitute chicken thighs for breast for a juicier, more forgiving result.
  • Add your favourite seasonal vegetables to make it a complete one-dish meal.
  • Adjust spice levels to your personal preference — start mild and add more heat gradually.

Chicken Pasta

Crack Chicken Pasta

Ready in 35 minutes! This Crack Chicken Pasta is a weeknight winner.

by ChickenRecipes.ca

Crack Chicken Pasta - delicious Canadian chicken recipe
Chef Marco Deluca

Chef Marco Deluca

Head Chef & Recipe Developer

Marco is a Red Seal certified chef with over 15 years of professional kitchen experience across Canada. After training at George Brown College in Toronto and working in acclaimed restaurants from Vancouver to Montreal, he founded ChickenRecipes.ca to share his expertise with home cooks. Marco specializes in making restaurant-quality chicken dishes accessible for everyday Canadian kitchens.

Red Seal Certified ChefGeorge Brown College Culinary Arts Graduate15+ years professional kitchen experience

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