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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 305 Comments

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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

4.91 from 141 votes
Family friendly and perfect for a busy weeknight, this hearty Cheesy Chicken Penne will be a crowd pleaser.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours hours 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 6 hours hours 30 minutes 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!
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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!)

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    724623 shares
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    Filed Under: Chicken, Dinner, Pasta

    Comments

    1. Sandra says

      August 31, 2023 at 2:01 pm

      Can you use rotisserie chicken? Can you cook on high for 3 hours?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        August 31, 2023 at 2:35 pm

        I have not tried with rotisserie chicken, though I think it would be fine if you added chicken broth. Yes, on high for 3 hours should be great.

        Reply
    2. Jennifer says

      June 19, 2023 at 7:39 am

      Could I put the penne in the slow cooker near the beginning instead of having to cook it first?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        June 19, 2023 at 9:37 am

        No, it will turn chalky and mushy.

        Reply
    3. Marsha says

      April 24, 2023 at 4:45 pm

      Can leftovers be frozen? Yummy dish. Will definitely make again

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        April 24, 2023 at 6:33 pm

        Yes, it freezes well.

        Reply
        • Anonymous says

          April 25, 2023 at 12:29 pm

          Thank you!

    4. Tyra says

      April 24, 2023 at 12:05 am

      5 stars
      Omg this was soooo good!! I didnt even use a majority of the seasoning and it still turned out soooooo yummy. Thank you for the recipe!!

      Reply
    5. Kent says

      March 9, 2023 at 10:47 am

      5 stars
      Just made it again for the umpteenth time. A crowd pleaser!

      Reply
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