↑

The Magical Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Recipes

  • Recipe Box
  • Buy my Digital Cookbook
  • About me
  • Contact Me
  • Free Slow Cooker Newsletter
    • Visit us on Pinterest
    • Visit us on Instagram
    • Visit us on Youtube
    • Visit us on Facebook
    • Visit us on Twitter

The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Dinner » Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne

Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne

by Sarah Olson on October 10, 2022 | Updated October 21, 2022 294 Comments

722184 shares
  • 103698
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
Collage of cheesy chicken penne images with text of what ingredients are.
Long image of cheesy chicken penne for pinterest.
Collage of cheesy chicken penne images with text of what the ingredients are for facebook or pinterest.
collage of cheesy chicken penne with text overlay for pinterest.

This Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne has features of mac and cheese but with chicken added too! A great meal to come home to that the entire family will enjoy.

Close up of cheesy chicken penne in slow cooker.

Why This Recipe Works

I was on Pinterest and saw this Chicken-Macaroni Casserole recipe and knew I could make something just as good in my slow cooker. I didn’t realize I would make the easiest, most delicious, kid-friendly pasta ever! I made this recipe again a week later for a girl scout potluck, and there wasn’t any left!

Anytime you can prepare a “one-pot” meal that takes minimal ingredients and still yields a delicious flavor is a winner in my book. This is one of those busy night meals because the prep time is short, and the cooking time is reasonable.

You can start it, continue your day and finish up minutes before serving. This cheesy chicken penne is an excellent idea for any time of year and is sure to become a new family favorite.

Ingredients:

Ingredients for cheesy chicken penne on a table.
  • Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts are the perfect size and yield quite a bit when shredded at the time.
  • Cream of chicken soup: You’ll use two cans without adding water; you can use mushroom soup if that is what you have on hand.
  • Chicken broth: Or chicken stock helps create the cream sauce texture.
  • Seasonings: Pepper and dried leaf tarragon; you can substitute oregano or Italian seasoning.
  • Mushrooms: These will be sliced. I know many kids (and adults) don’t like mushrooms; you can leave them out and add additional broth, for they do add moisture to the recipe.
  • Onion: Sweet yellow onion is diced and adds a nice flavor.
  • Sour cream: Added toward the end to help provide a creamy texture.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: You sharp cheddar or medium cheddar, depending on your preferences.
  • Penne pasta: You’ll cook this according to the package directions on the stove.

Step-by-Step Directions

How to add ingredients for cheesy chicken penne to slow cooker.

Step One – Add the cream of chicken soup to the slow cooker with the chicken broth.

Step Two – Mix until smooth.

Step Three: Add the mushrooms, diced onion, tarragon, and pepper and mix again.

Step Four – Place the chicken breast on top of that. Cook on LOW for 6 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.

6 images about how to shred chicken, add sour cream, cheese and pasta to slow cooker. Top with more cheese.

Step Five – Just before the cooking time is up, boil your water, then cook the pasta to Al Dente.

Step Six – Shred the chicken with two forks right in the slow cooker.

Step Seven: Add the sour cream, half the cheese, and the cooked and drained pasta.

Step Eight – Stir.

Step Nine – Sprinkle over the remaining cheese.

Step Ten – Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook for an additional 20 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

overhead image of cooked chicken penne with cheese.

How to Serve

  • This slow cooker meal can be served as-is because it provides plenty of heartiness with the pasta, chicken, and cheese.
  • You can also serve it with garlic bread or another bread of your choice.
  • This pasta also pairs well with a small side salad or another green vegetable, such as steamed broccoli.
  • As for toppings, you can’t go wrong with adding extra shredded cheese or going for some shredded parmesan cheese.
Plate with cheesy chicken penne and broccoli.

Recipe FAQs

What other type of pasta could I use in this crock pot chicken penne?

Rotini pasta is another go-to pasta that can be used to substitute the penne pasta. If anything, use whatever you have in your pantry. Egg noodles can be used, though you have to be EXTRA careful not to overcook.

Is this recipe freeze-friendly (make ahead freezer meal)?

Since sour cream doesn’t freeze very well, this is a recipe that you’ll want to freeze in parts and then cook it according to the directions. You can combine everything up until the sour cream, freeze, and then defrost and cook according to the directions.

How do I store leftovers?

Any leftover pasta can be put into an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days.

How can I make this recipe more hearty?

You could always add more vegetables such as peas, corn, broccoli, bell peppers, green chiles, and the like.

Can I add additional seasonings?

You can use Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, or even dried basil! Make the dish your own with your favorite spices.

Heaven on a plate! Plenty of sauce to coat all the noodles. I highly recommend this meal for an easy weeknight meal.

Want to make more magic in your crockpot? Stay up to date and subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

overhead image of cooked chicken penne with cheese.

Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne

4.90 from 126 votes
Family friendly and perfect for a busy weeknight, this hearty Cheesy Chicken Penne will be a crowd pleaser.
Print Pin Rate Share by Text
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 563kcal
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

  • Slow Cooker – 5 quart or larger

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 21 oz cream of chicken soup (two-10.5 oz cans) Don't add water
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ tsp. pepper
  • ½ tsp. dried leaf tarragon can substitute oregano, thyme or Italian seasoning here.
  • 1 ½ cups sliced mushrooms
  • 1 small sweet yellow onion diced

Add at the end

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 1 lb. penne pasta cooked according to package directions on the stove-top
US Customary – Metric

Instructions:

  • Add the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth to the slow cooker, stir until smooth.
  • Add the tarragon, pepper, mushrooms and onions, stir.
  • Add the chicken breasts.
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.
  • After the cooking time is up, start cooking the pasta according to the package directions to Al dente on the stove-top, do not over cook!
  • Shred the chicken with 2 forks.
  • Add sour cream and half of the cheese, stir.
  • Add the cooked and drained pasta and stir again.
  • Sprinkle over remaining cheese. Cover the slow cooker and cook for an additional 20 minutes on low.
  • Serve and enjoy!
Prevent your screen from going dark

How to Video:

Recipe Notes:

  • If you have extra picky eaters and want to omit the mushrooms and onions add an additional 1/2 cup of broth. This will replace the moisture from the mushrooms and onions.
  • You could always add more vegetables such as peas, corn, broccoli, bell peppers, green chiles and the like.
  • Any pasta can be used. Though if you use egg noodles, be extra careful not to overcook, they tend to break apart easily.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 563kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 105mg | Sodium: 881mg | Potassium: 673mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 636IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 274mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker

More slow cooker pasta recipes:

  • Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Fettucine
  • Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Scampi
  • Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Mozzarella
  • Slow Cooker Baked Spaghetti
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Tetrazzini
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta
  • Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce (add your favorite pasta shape!)

FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

Get Sarah's tricks to delicious and hands-free cooking!
    722184 shares
    • 103698

    Filed Under: Chicken, Dinner, Pasta

    Comments

    1. Christina says

      January 23, 2023 at 7:10 pm

      Can you make this in an instant pot?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        January 23, 2023 at 7:45 pm

        I have not tested but I’m sure you could if there’s enough liquid to start.

        Reply
    2. Chris says

      December 26, 2022 at 5:40 pm

      5 stars
      I made this tonight. It is EXCELLENT!!! I didn’t put the mushrooms in. I made half the recipe. Half everything inclining cooking time. Will definitely make again!

      Reply
    3. Chris says

      December 26, 2022 at 12:28 pm

      Can leftovers be frozen?

      Reply
    4. Candy says

      December 26, 2022 at 7:57 am

      Can you use frozen chicken?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        December 26, 2022 at 8:24 am

        I recommend using thawed chicken.

        Reply
    5. Chris says

      December 19, 2022 at 8:12 am

      Looks great! Can I use canned mushrooms?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        December 19, 2022 at 9:03 am

        Yes, canned mushrooms will work fine!

        Reply
    6. Beth says

      December 9, 2022 at 11:23 am

      Is there an oven version of this?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        December 9, 2022 at 2:06 pm

        I don’t have one, I apologize.

        Reply
    7. Krystal says

      November 28, 2022 at 6:09 am

      Can I cook this in high?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        November 28, 2022 at 9:09 am

        Yes. Will do fine. 3.5-4 hours.

        Reply
    8. Dave says

      November 13, 2022 at 12:07 pm

      5 stars
      I made this recipe for dinner today and it was a big hit. Everyone loved it and said it was great. It was delicious.

      Reply
    9. Melissa says

      November 12, 2022 at 7:18 am

      How much extra broth should you use if you don’t add the mushrooms?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        November 12, 2022 at 8:32 am

        I would do a 1/4 cup.

        Reply
    10. Erin says

      October 3, 2022 at 2:57 pm

      5 stars
      My kids are super picky eaters and they both loved this recipe! Yay!!

      Reply
    11. Diane says

      October 1, 2022 at 1:15 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks

      Reply
    12. Anonymous says

      September 29, 2022 at 8:06 am

      I only had one can of cream of chicken so subbed cream of cheddar cheese. I have picky eaters so hopefully my substitution doesn’t flop!

      Reply
    13. Beth says

      September 27, 2022 at 1:00 pm

      If you wanted to add fresh spinach to this, at what point would you add…same time as the sour cream?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        September 27, 2022 at 1:00 pm

        Yes! It doesn’t take much time at all.

        Reply
    « Older Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Photo of Sarah Olson holding a slow cooker

    Hello! I'm Sarah

    Welcome to The Magical Slow Cooker. Let me help you find recipes for your slow cooker that you'll enjoy!
    • Visit us on Pinterest
    • Visit us on Instagram
    • Visit us on Youtube
    • Visit us on Facebook
    • Visit us on Twitter

    Slow Cooker Appetizers

    Cheesy corn dip on a chip.

    Slow Cooker Corn Dip

    ingredients for salsa in a crockpot.

    Slow Cooker Salsa

    Cooked bacon wrapped smokies in a slow cooker.

    Slow Cooker Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

    Beer meatballs on a spoon in a crockpot.

    Slow Cooker Beer Meatballs

    cooked buffalo wings in the crockpot.

    Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings

    overhead shot of bean dip in slow cooker.

    Slow Cooker Velveeta Bean Dip

    Magical Cooker logo

    FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

    Get Sarah's tricks to delicious and hands-free cooking!

      Most Popular Recipes

      peanut butter cake with spoon in it.

      Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cake {Crockpot}

      Close up of cajun chicken fettuccine in slow cooker.

      Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

      close up of baked spaghetti in slow cooker

      Slow Cooker Baked Spaghetti {Million Dollar Spaghetti}

      close up of enchilada casserole

      Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole

      close up photo of chicken, potatoes and green beans in slow cooker

      Seasoned Chicken, Potatoes and Green beans

      cooked bang bang chicken in slow cooker

      Slow Cooker Bang Bang Chicken

      Featured on:

      Featured in BuzzFeed, The Kitchen, Popsugar, 12 Tomatoes, yummly, Today, and Country Living
      smaller magical slow cooker logo

      FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

        Privacy Policy  Nutritional Disclosure

        The Magical Slow Cooker is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
        Copyright ©2023, The Magical Slow Cooker. All Rights Reserved.
        Design by Pixel Me Designs