Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne

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This Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne is pure comfort food with almost no effort. Tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce all come together in one pot. It’s the kind of cozy weeknight dinner the whole family will love and you’ll love that the slow cooker does most of the work.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups penne pasta (dry)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh, drained if very juicy)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken breasts in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
  3. Add the diced tomatoes and dry penne pasta on top. Stir gently to combine, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged in liquid for even cooking.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender and the pasta is al dente.
  5. Remove the chicken breasts to a cutting board and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
  6. Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Serve hot, topped with chopped fresh parsley for garnish.

Variation

  1. Use rotini, fusilli, or shells instead of penne for a fun texture change. Just keep the volume to about 2 cups dry pasta.
  2. Turn it into a veggie-packed version by adding 1–2 cups of chopped spinach, bell peppers, or frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  3. Give it a spicy kick by stirring in 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or using pepper jack cheese in place of some of the mozzarella.

Cooking Notes

  1. Keep the pasta mostly submerged in liquid so it cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out or become crunchy on top.
  2. If using frozen chicken, thaw it completely first for food safety and more even cooking.
  3. Different slow cookers vary, so start checking for doneness about 30 minutes before the shortest suggested cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to balance the richness of the cheesy sauce.
  2. Pair with garlic bread or warm crusty rolls to soak up every bit of the creamy cheese sauce.
  3. Top each serving with extra shredded cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Tips

  • Spray the slow cooker insert lightly with nonstick cooking spray to make cleanup easier.
  • Shred the cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded for a smoother, creamier sauce.
  • Let the pasta sit for 5–10 minutes on WARM after stirring in the cheese; it will thicken slightly and absorb more flavor.

Prep Time:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4–5 hours on LOW (or 2–3 hours on HIGH)
  • Total Time: 4–5 hours

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
    Yes. Stir in 3 cups of shredded cooked chicken during the last 30–45 minutes of cook time and heat through before adding the cheese.
  2. Can I use a different cream soup?
    Yes, cream of mushroom or cream of celery both work and will slightly change the flavor profile.
  3. How can I make this a bit lighter?
    Use reduced-fat cheese, low-sodium broth, and a 98% fat-free cream of chicken soup. You can also increase the tomatoes and add extra veggies.
  4. Can I cook the pasta separately?
    Yes. Cook the pasta on the stovetop until al dente, then stir it into the shredded chicken and sauce in the slow cooker for the last 15–20 minutes.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it comfort meal. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melty cheese all in one pot, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Minimal prep and family-friendly flavors make this an easy favorite you’ll come back to again and again.

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Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 4–5 hours
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Omnivore
Print Recipe

Description

This Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne is pure comfort food with almost no effort. Tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce all come together in one pot. It’s the kind of cozy weeknight dinner the whole family will love and you’ll love that the slow cooker does most of the work.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups penne pasta (dry)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh, drained if very juicy)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken breasts in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
  3. Add the diced tomatoes and dry penne pasta on top. Stir gently to combine, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged in liquid for even cooking.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender and the pasta is al dente.
  5. Remove the chicken breasts to a cutting board and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
  6. Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Serve hot, topped with chopped fresh parsley for garnish.

Notes

  • If your slow cooker runs hot, check the pasta early to avoid overcooking.
  • If the mixture looks too thick at the end, stir in a splash of warm chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
  • For extra flavor, add a small handful of grated Parmesan cheese along with the cheddar and mozzarella.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4–5 hours on LOW (or 2–3 hours on HIGH)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g (approx.)
  • Sodium: 650 mg (approx.)
  • Fat: 20 g (approx.)
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g (approx.)
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g (approx.)
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g (approx.)
  • Fiber: 2 g (approx.)
  • Protein: 28 g (approx.)
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg (approx.)

Keywords: slow cooker cheesy chicken penne, crockpot chicken pasta, creamy chicken penne, easy slow cooker dinner

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