Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne

Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne is the ultimate comfort food for busy families and pasta lovers. It combines tender, slow-cooked chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a rich, creamy, cheesy sauce that clings to every bite. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the flavors to develop into a warm, satisfying meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving a cozy dinner, this recipe delivers big on flavor and convenience.

Ingredients

The magic of this dish comes from simple ingredients that transform into a creamy, hearty pasta meal after slow cooking.

Main Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 cups penne pasta (uncooked)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup spinach
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 small onion, diced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Ingredient Tips

Chicken:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts shred beautifully, but chicken thighs can be used for extra richness.

Cheese:
Freshly shredded cheese melts better and creates a smoother sauce than pre-shredded.

Pasta Choice:
Penne holds the sauce well, but rigatoni or ziti are great substitutes.

How To Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne

This step-by-step method ensures perfectly tender chicken and a creamy, cohesive sauce.

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the slow cooker with nonstick spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Layer the Chicken and Seasoning

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.

Season with:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika

Add minced garlic on top.

Step 3: Add the Sauce Base

Pour in:

• Chicken broth
• Cream of chicken soup
• Heavy cream

This creates the rich, flavorful cooking liquid that will keep the chicken moist and form the base of the cheese sauce.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Chicken

Cook on:

• LOW for 6–7 hours, or
• HIGH for 3–4 hours

The chicken should be fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.

Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir into the sauce.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

Cook the penne separately until al dente, according to package instructions.

Why cook it separately?
This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and helps maintain the perfect texture.

Drain and set aside.

Step 7: Add the Cheese

Stir in:

• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Mix until fully melted and creamy.

Step 8: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and stir until every piece is coated in the cheesy sauce.

Cover and cook on LOW for another 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Step 9: Serve Hot

Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

You Must Know

These essential tips will make your slow cooker cheesy chicken penne perfect every time.

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Always cook pasta separately to avoid a mushy texture.

2. Shred the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Shredded chicken absorbs the creamy sauce better than cubed chicken.

3. Use Freshly Shredded Cheese

Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.

4. Adjust Sauce Thickness

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of warm milk or chicken broth.

5. Season at the End

Cheese adds saltiness, so taste before adding extra salt.

Topping Variations

Take your cheesy chicken penne to the next level with these toppings.

1. Crispy Breadcrumbs

Toast panko in butter and sprinkle on top for crunch.

2. Bacon Bits

Adds a smoky, savory element.

3. Extra Cheese Broil Finish

Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil for a golden crust.

4. Fresh Herbs

Parsley, basil, or thyme brighten the rich dish.

5. Red Pepper Flakes

For a little heat.

6. Garlic Butter Drizzle

Enhances flavor and adds shine.

Make It A Meal

Turn this pasta into a complete restaurant-style dinner.

Best Side Dishes

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• Caesar salad
• Roasted broccoli or green beans
• Steamed asparagus

Lighter Pairings

• Cucumber tomato salad
• Lemon vinaigrette mixed greens
• Roasted zucchini

Family Dinner Idea

Serve with:

• Bread basket
• Simple salad
• Fresh fruit for dessert

Pro Tips

These expert techniques will elevate your dish from good to unforgettable.

1. Sear the Chicken First (Optional)

A quick sear adds extra depth of flavor.

2. Use a Cheese Blend

Combining cheeses gives better melt and flavor complexity.

3. Add Cream Cheese for Extra Creaminess

A few ounces make the sauce ultra-luxurious.

4. Keep It Warm for Parties

Set the slow cooker to WARM and stir occasionally.

5. Make It Ahead

Prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then add freshly cooked pasta before serving.

6. Freeze for Later

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

7. Reheat Properly

Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Recipe FAQs

Can I put uncooked pasta in the slow cooker?

It’s not recommended for this recipe because it can become overly soft and absorb too much liquid.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Skip the slow cooking step and mix shredded rotisserie chicken into the sauce.

How do I make it healthier?

• Use whole-wheat pasta
• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half
• Add more vegetables

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use:

• Gluten-free pasta
• Gluten-free cream of chicken soup

How long do leftovers last?

Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely. Try:

• Rigatoni
• Rotini
• Ziti
• Shell

Why is my sauce grainy?

This happens when:

• Pre-shredded cheese is used
• Cheese is added at too high a temperature

Always melt cheese on LOW heat.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne is the perfect combination of convenience and comfort. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd. The slow cooker creates tender, flavorful chicken while the cheese sauce brings everything together into a rich, satisfying dish.

Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a regular in your meal rotation because it’s simple, customizable, and always a guaranteed hit.

Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne

Print Recipe

Give this Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne a try. It’s so rich & cheesy! The delicious flavor will have you licking your lips in no time!

• Author: Brandy
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours
• Yield: 8 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
• 1 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion diced
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
• 1 pound cooked and drained penne pasta

Instructions

1. To your slow cooker add your chicken and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a medium mixing bowl mix together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup and chicken stock.
3. Pour over the chicken. Add your diced onion. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. When the chicken is tender go ahead and boil your pasta to al dente (will cook a little in the sauce), drain. Shred the chicken. Add sour cream and half of the cheese to
4. your slow cooker and stir.
5. Add the cooked and drained pasta and stir to combine.
6. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top and place the lid back on the slow cooker just until the cheese melts.
7. ENJOY!