The Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or cozy weekends alike. Imagine juicy chicken breasts cooked gently until they fall apart, mingling with a luscious, cheesy sauce and tender penne pasta, all punctuated by a fresh pop of spinach and aromatic herbs. Every bite is hearty and comforting, yet brightly flavored, making it a dish that disappears fast—so don’t expect many leftovers! This ridiculously simple slow cooker meal lets you skip the fuss but delivers big on flavor, making it an instant classic for both family dinners and casual entertaining.

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe plays a special part, from building deep flavor to creating that unmistakable creamy texture. Gather these kitchen staples, and you’re already halfway toward an unforgettable dinner!

Boneless skinless chicken breasts (2 pounds): The heart of the dish, they turn mouthwateringly tender during slow cooking and soak up all the flavors.
Medium onion, diced (1): Adds a gentle sweetness and a bit of texture that anchors the sauce.
Garlic cloves, minced (3): Essential for a savory, aromatic base that brings the sauce to life.
Diced tomatoes with juices (1 can, 14.5 ounces): The acidity balances the richness and adds gorgeous color.
Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): For a creamy shortcut base, this soup ensures a silky, flavorful sauce.
Low-sodium chicken broth (1 cup): Helps keep the sauce perfectly saucy without excess salt.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A pinch of this herb blend lift the whole recipe with familiar Mediterranean notes.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out the flavor of every ingredient.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to add warmth without overpowering the dish.
Cream cheese, cubed (8 ounces): The secret to that irresistible creamy texture—be sure it’s softened for easy melting.
Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup): Adds salty, nutty depth to the sauce and helps it cling to the pasta.
Penne pasta, cooked al dente (12 ounces): The sturdy shape holds up beautifully to the sauce and chicken.
Fresh spinach, optional (2 cups): Stir it in at the end for a burst of color and nutrition—highly recommended!
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (2 tablespoons): A sprinkle on top makes the whole dish feel fresh and restaurant-worthy.

How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base

Begin by arranging the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add your diced onion, minced garlic, and pour in the can of diced tomatoes with all the juices—these will become the backdrop for all those beautifully layered flavors. Scatter in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then top it off with the cream of chicken soup and low-sodium chicken broth. This lineup brings both depth and creaminess before any dairy even enters the scene!

Step 2: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 5 to 6 hours or high for 3 hours, depending on your schedule. This hands-off method gives the chicken plenty of time to absorb the seasonings and grow fork-tender. It’s the kind of set-it-and-forget-it moment that makes this dish such a weeknight hero.

Step 3: Shred and Enrich

Once the chicken is incredibly tender, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker—no need to dirty another bowl! Then, add cubed cream cheese and grated Parmesan right into the pot. Give it a good stir and watch as the sauce transforms into a beautifully velvety, cheesy pool around the chicken. Let it sit for a few minutes until the cheeses are fully melted and incorporated.

Step 4: Fold in Pasta and Greens

Gently fold your cooked penne pasta into the creamy chicken mixture. If you’re adding spinach, toss it in at this stage and stir just until it wilts. The residual heat is all you need to soften the greens while keeping their vibrant color intact—this step takes the dish from comforting to crave-worthy.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Scoop generous portions into bowls and finish with a shower of freshly chopped parsley. This little flourish not only adds a fresh pop of color but also a subtle herbal note that ties every spoonful together. Enjoy your Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe hot and bubbly—you’ve earned it!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe

Garnishes

A dish this cozy deserves a little dressing up! A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley instantly livens up each plate and balances the creaminess beautifully. You can also add a handful of extra Parmesan cheese or even freshly cracked black pepper for an elegant touch. If you like heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes as a garnish adds a gentle kick to the richness as well.

Side Dishes

This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe is hearty, so pair it with a simple green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette or a bowl of steamed veggies to keep things light and balanced. For an authentic Italian-style experience, serve it with garlicky toasted bread or a classic Caesar salad—your forks (and taste buds) will thank you!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the creamy chicken and penne in shallow pasta bowls for a bistro-chic feel, or pile it high on a large serving platter at the center of your table for a family-style meal that invites everyone to dig in. For a fun twist, scoop the mixture into baked bell pepper halves or even hollowed-out bread bowls for a wow-factor presentation that echoes restaurant flair in a homey way.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve a bit as they mingle, and the pasta soaks up even more of that irresistible sauce, making tomorrow’s lunch a real treat!

Freezing

This dish freezes well, though keep in mind the pasta may become a bit softer when thawed. To freeze, let the Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, you can freeze the chicken and sauce without the pasta and add freshly cooked pasta after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place your desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between, until piping hot. Alternatively, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently. A splash of chicken broth or milk can help loosen things up if the sauce thickens too much in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work marvelously in this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe, adding even more richness and staying extra juicy. Just trim any excess fat and cook as directed for a tender, flavorful twist.

How can I make this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe lighter?

For a lighter (but still creamy) version, swap in reduced-fat cream cheese, use whole wheat penne, and consider using low-fat Parmesan. You can also add extra spinach or even some steamed broccoli for a veggie boost without the extra calories.

Will gluten-free pasta work in this recipe?

Yes, gluten-free penne works perfectly! Just cook it al dente before stirring it into the sauce at the end, and be gentle when mixing to keep the pasta from breaking apart.

Can this be made without a slow cooker?

If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can absolutely use a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot on the stovetop or in the oven. Simmer everything gently until the chicken is cooked through and shreddable, then proceed with the rest of the recipe.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Feel free to stir in sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or a handful of olives for extra Mediterranean flair. A splash of white wine in place of part of the broth adds depth, and a shake of crushed red pepper is wonderful if you like a little heat with your creamy pasta.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe has a way of making any evening feel special, no matter how busy your day has been. It’s simple, satisfying, and made for sharing—which means there’s always a reason to make it again. Give it a try and let it become part of your own comfort food repertoire—you’ll be glad you did!

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 7 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne, a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for busy days. This easy recipe combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sauce:

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Other Ingredients:

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 ounces penne pasta, cooked al dente
2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 hours until chicken is tender.
Shred and Add Cheese: Shred the chicken in the slow cooker. Stir in cream cheese and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
Combine: Just before serving, fold in cooked penne pasta and spinach if using.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and whole wheat pasta.
If you prefer a thinner sauce, add an additional 1/2 cup chicken broth before stirring in the pasta.
This recipe reheats well and makes a great meal prep option.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American-Italian