Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne is a comfort food classic that combines creamy textures, savory flavors, and hearty ingredients into one incredibly satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this crockpot recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and gooey cheddar cheese in every bite. Best of all, the slow cooker does most of the work for you! With minimal prep and ingredients you likely already have on hand, this dish is a guaranteed family favorite that you’ll come back to time and time again.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne
This recipe is a total winner for so many reasons. First, it requires only a few minutes of prep and lets the slow cooker handle the heavy lifting. It’s also a one-pot wonder, minimizing cleanup. The chicken turns out incredibly tender, and the combination of sour cream and cheddar creates a dreamy, velvety sauce. You can customize it easily by adjusting seasonings or sneaking in extra veggies. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a warm, cheesy dinner, this dish checks all the boxes.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 21 oz cream of chicken soup (two 10.5 oz cans; do not add water)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp dried leaf tarragon (or substitute with oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning)
- 1 ½ cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 small sweet yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup sour cream (added at the end)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (added at the end)
- 1 lb penne pasta, cooked al dente according to package directions
Step-by-Step: How to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne
- Prepare the Base: In your 5-quart or larger slow cooker, combine the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth. Stir until smooth.
- Add Flavor and Veggies: Mix in the dried tarragon (or seasoning of choice), pepper, sliced mushrooms, and diced onion.
- Add Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the mixture.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours. Do not lift the lid during this time to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Pasta: Near the end of the 6 hours, prepare your penne pasta on the stovetop, cooking to al dente. Drain well.
- Shred Chicken: After 6 hours, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks directly in the slow cooker.
- Add Creaminess: Stir in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Combine Pasta: Add the drained penne pasta and mix thoroughly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
- Final Touch: Cover and let it cook on LOW for another 20 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve and Enjoy: Dish out warm and cheesy servings of this hearty comfort meal.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Make sure the pasta is cooked to just al dente before adding it to the slow cooker. Overcooking can result in mushy noodles.
- Resist Peeking: Keep the lid closed during the initial 6-hour cook time to maintain a consistent temperature.
- Make It Ahead: Combine all ingredients (except sour cream and cheese) in a freezer-safe bag for an easy freezer-to-slow-cooker meal.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Grate your own cheddar for better melting and flavor.
- Stir Gently: When combining the cooked pasta, stir gently to avoid breaking the noodles.
Substitutions And Variations
- Seasoning Swaps: Substitute tarragon with Italian seasoning, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, or onion powder.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Toss in chopped broccoli, bell peppers, green peas, corn, or green chiles for added nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese Variety: Try using mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby for a cheesy twist.
- No Mushrooms or Onions?: Omit them and add an extra ½ cup of chicken broth to make up for the lost moisture.
- Pasta Alternatives: Use rotini, ziti, or even egg noodles (cook carefully!) if penne isn’t available.
- Protein Variation: Use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time or try boneless thighs for extra flavor.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers store beautifully in the refrigerator. Simply transfer any uneaten portions to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. Warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of broth or milk to thin the sauce if necessary.
Freezer Tip: This dish doesn’t freeze well after sour cream is added, but you can freeze the base mixture (chicken, soup, seasonings, and veggies) before cooking. Thaw and cook in the slow cooker as directed, then add fresh pasta, sour cream, and cheese.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 563 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sodium: 881mg
- Potassium: 673mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Vitamin A: 636 IU
- Vitamin C: 5 mg
- Calcium: 274 mg
- Iron: 2 mg
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a balanced meal. It also pairs well with roasted veggies or a side of steamed broccoli. To make it more indulgent, top with crumbled bacon or a dash of hot sauce for added flavor. A light fruit salad makes a refreshing dessert afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne
Can I use frozen chicken?
For food safety, it’s recommended to use thawed chicken in the slow cooker. If using frozen chicken, ensure it is fully defrosted first.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and swap the penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, combine all ingredients except sour cream and cheese, and refrigerate overnight or freeze. Then cook as directed.
Do I need to stir during cooking?
No, you do not need to stir during the 6-hour cook time. Stirring is only needed after adding the pasta, sour cream, and cheese.
How do I avoid curdling the sour cream?
Add sour cream at the end of the cooking process and stir it in gently. Avoid adding it during the initial cook time.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for joining me in making this incredibly cozy and flavorful Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne. It’s one of those recipes that brings people together with every creamy, cheesy bite. The simplicity of preparation combined with the rich, hearty taste makes it a go-to for any night of the week. I hope it becomes a staple in your home just like it has in mine. Happy cooking, and thank you for being part of this food-loving community!
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Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne is a creamy, family-friendly comfort dish made with tender chicken, cheddar cheese, and pasta. Easy to prep and perfect for busy weeknights. Save and try it today!
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
21 oz cream of chicken soup (two 10.5 oz cans; do not add water)
½ cup chicken broth
¼ tsp pepper
½ tsp dried leaf tarragon (or substitute with Italian seasoning, thyme, or oregano)
1 ½ cups sliced mushrooms
1 small sweet yellow onion, diced
1 cup sour cream (added at the end)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (added at the end)
1 lb penne pasta, cooked al dente
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In your 5-quart or larger slow cooker, combine the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth. Stir until smooth.
- Add Flavor and Veggies: Mix in the dried tarragon (or seasoning of choice), pepper, sliced mushrooms, and diced onion.
- Add Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the mixture.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours. Do not lift the lid during this time to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Pasta: Near the end of the 6 hours, prepare your penne pasta on the stovetop, cooking to al dente. Drain well.
- Shred Chicken: After 6 hours, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks directly in the slow cooker.
- Add Creaminess: Stir in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Combine Pasta: Add the drained penne pasta and mix thoroughly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
- Final Touch: Cover and let it cook on LOW for another 20 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve and Enjoy: Dish out warm and cheesy servings of this hearty comfort meal.
Notes
To freeze ahead, combine all ingredients except sour cream and cheese, freeze, then cook as directed.
Omit mushrooms and onions if preferred and add ½ cup extra broth.
Stir gently to avoid breaking pasta.
Use freshly shredded cheese for the best texture.
Reheat leftovers with a splash of broth or milk to refresh the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American