Ben Kenwood June 19, 2026

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Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne

Name: Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
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); 1 ½ cups sliced mushrooms; 1 small sweet yellow onion (diced); 1 cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided); 1 lb. penne pasta (cooked according to package directions on the stove-top)

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There’s something undeniably comforting about a slow cooker bubbling away in the kitchen, filling your home with the rich and inviting aromas of a hearty meal. As you come in from the cold or wrap up a busy day, the thought of enjoying a warm, cheesy dish like Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne is tempting. This dish not only offers plenty of creamy goodness but also delivers tender bites of chicken and pasta, making it a family favorite that’s perfect for dinner gatherings or casual weeknight meals.

Reasons to Love Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne

Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne becomes an instant hit for many reasons:

Effortless Cooking: Just toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
Creamy and Cheesy Delight: The combination of cream of chicken soup and cheddar cheese creates a luscious sauce that envelops every bite.
Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike are drawn to the comforting flavors and cheesy goodness.
Versatile: Easily adaptable to include your favorite vegetables or spices.

Gather These Ingredients

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s ensure you have the essentials ready. The ingredients in this recipe play specific roles to contribute to its delightful flavor. You’ll be using familiar staples like chicken and pasta, along with flavorful herbs and creamy elements.

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)
1 ½ cups sliced mushrooms
1 small sweet yellow onion (diced)
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1 lb. penne pasta (cooked according to package directions on the stove-top)

This lineup of ingredients ensures a hearty and satisfying dish, perfect for any occasion.

How to Cook Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne

Let’s bring these flavors together! Follow these straightforward steps to create your Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne:

Add the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth to the slow cooker, stirring until smooth.
Sprinkle in the tarragon and pepper, then add the sliced mushrooms and diced onion, giving it a good stir.
Place the chicken breasts on top of the mixture in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on LOW for about 6 hours, avoiding any peeking at the lid during this time.
Once the cooking time is up, prepare the penne pasta according to the package directions, ensuring it remains al dente.
Using two forks, shred the chicken right in the slow cooker.
Stir in the sour cream and half of the cheddar cheese, mixing well.
Finally, add the cooked and drained pasta to the slow cooker and stir again.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover, and let it cook for an additional 20 minutes on low.

This recipe is not only simple but also results in a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone eagerly waiting to serve themselves. Prep ~25 minutes, Cook ~6 hours, Total ~6 hours 25 minutes, Servings ~6, Kcal ~600.

Plan Ahead

If you want to prepare some elements in advance, you can chop the vegetables and store them in the fridge. You might also consider cooking the chicken in advance and shredding it before combining everything in the slow cooker. This strategy allows you to save precious time on busy days and still enjoy that delightful homemade flavor. When you’re ready, simply assemble everything in the slow cooker and enjoy a comforting meal that feels homemade without the hassle.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave until just warmed through. Look for the cheese to be bubbly and the mixture warmed throughout as a cue for freshness.

Perfect Pairings

Consider these delightful accompaniments to serve alongside your Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne:

A simple green salad with vinaigrette
Garlic bread for irresistible dipping
Steamed broccoli for a pop of color and nutrition
A side of roasted vegetables for extra flavor
Icy cold beverages or sparkling water for refreshment

Make It Your Own

This dish lends itself well to personalization; here are some ideas to make it suit your tastes:

Swap in your favorite vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers.
For a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Experiment with different cheese varieties, such as mozzarella or pepper jack.
Consider adding a splash of your favorite hot sauce before serving for an extra kick.
Substitute the chicken for ground turkey for a lighter take on the recipe.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

Enhance your cooking experience with these expert tips:

Make sure to cut chicken breasts into even pieces for uniform cooking.
For greater flavor, sear the chicken briefly before adding it to the slow cooker.
Ensure the lid of your slow cooker fits tightly to maintain heat and moisture.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last hour to allow the mixture to reduce slightly.

Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; however, you might need to extend the cooking time by 1-2 hours.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace chicken with chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce is thicker than desired, simply stir in a bit more chicken broth until you achieve your preferred consistency.
Can I add more cheese?
Definitely! Feel free to add more cheese for a creamier texture or to suit your taste.
Is this dish easy to double?
Yes! To double the recipe, ensure your slow cooker is large enough and adjust your cooking time if necessary.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne is surely a dinner solution that checks all the boxes—comforting, easy to prepare, and bursting with flavor. With its creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’s an appealing choice for any night of the week. Embrace the warm, comforting essence of home cooking, and get ready to savor every bite of this delicious meal. If you enjoy hearty dishes like this, be sure to check out our Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie for another comforting experience or explore our Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl for a fun twist on weeknight dinners.

Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 385 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A creamy, cheesy dish with tender chicken and pasta, perfect for family dinners.

Instructions

Add the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth to the slow cooker, stirring until smooth.
Sprinkle in the tarragon and pepper, then add the sliced mushrooms and diced onion, giving it a good stir.
Place the chicken breasts on top of the mixture in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on LOW for about 360 minutes, avoiding any peeking at the lid during this time.
Once the cooking time is up, prepare the penne pasta according to the package directions, ensuring it remains al dente.
Using two forks, shred the chicken right in the slow cooker.
Stir in the sour cream and half of the cheddar cheese, mixing well.
Finally, add the cooked and drained pasta to the slow cooker and stir again.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover, and let it cook for an additional 20 minutes on low.