If you’ve ever dreamed of cozying up to a meal that checks every box—creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor—then Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne is about to become your new weeknight hero. In this soul-warming dish, tender chicken simmers in a luxuriously rich sauce, mingling with sweet onions, garlic, Italian herbs, and a generous cascade of melty cheeses. All you need to do is let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting, and you’ll walk into your kitchen hours later greeted by irresistible aromas and a bubbling masterpiece that’s ready to scoop straight into your favorite bowl. Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne takes everything you love about home-cooked pasta and turns it into an effortless celebration!

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne lies in its glorious simplicity—each ingredient is carefully chosen to deliver the ultimate comfort food experience. Don’t skip a thing; every element plays its part, from velvety cream and bright herbs to hearty chicken and pasta that soaks up every drop of flavor!

Chicken breasts or thighs (1 ½ pounds): Opt for boneless, skinless chicken for the juiciest, most tender bites.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A quick sauté gives your aromatics a flavor-boosting head start.
Onion, finely chopped (1 small): Adds mild sweetness and rounds out the savory base.
Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Garlic brings those familiar rustic, savory undertones we crave in creamy dishes.
Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): Delivers hearty thickness and richness to your sauce instantly.
Low-sodium chicken broth (1 cup): Balances the sauce and keeps the chicken moist as it cooks.
Heavy cream or half-and-half (1 cup): This is where all that dreamy lusciousness comes from!
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that brings bright, aromatic flavors to each bite.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Highlights every other flavor without overpowering the dish.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick to the creamy base.
Paprika (½ teaspoon): Provides lovely color and a subtle, smoky warmth.
Penne pasta, al dente (12 ounces): Holds up perfectly and collects plenty of sauce in every tube.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups): Melts into gorgeous, gooey strands for maximum comfort factor.
Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Brings salty, nutty depth for a “just like Nonna made” finish.
Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): Adds a pop of freshness and color right at the end.

How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Begin your journey to flavor by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, giving them a quick 2–3 minute sauté until they’re fragrant and just turning translucent. This simple step unlocks sweetness and depth, setting the flavor foundation for your Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne.

Step 2: Layer the Slow Cooker

Transfer those golden, aromatic onions and garlic straight into your slow cooker. Nestle the chicken breasts (or thighs, if you love juicy dark meat) right on top. Add the cream of chicken soup, low-sodium chicken broth, heavy cream or half-and-half, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir everything together gently so the chicken is nicely coated and enveloped in that creamy herbed mixture.

Step 3: Let the Magic Happen

Pop on the lid and set your slow cooker to low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. Now, let yourself relax—your kitchen will begin to fill with the incredible aroma of herbs and simmering chicken as the sauce bubbles and thickens. By the time the timer goes off, the chicken will be fork-tender and absolutely bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Shred and Combine

Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir to mix it into the luscious sauce. This is when the magic really happens: the shredded chicken soaks up all those creamy flavors, making every bite irresistible.

Step 5: Finish with Pasta & Cheese

Cook your penne pasta separately until just al dente, then drain. Stir the pasta, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese right into the slow cooker with the chicken and sauce. Mix until everything is beautifully combined and the cheese melts into glorious, stretchy ribbons. Let your Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne sit for five minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce clings perfectly to the pasta.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne

Garnishes

A final flourish really brings this dish to life! Sprinkle a generous shower of fresh chopped parsley over each serving for color and a fresh, herby contrast. If you love a little zip, a pinch of red pepper flakes or extra grated Parmesan takes it over the top.

Side Dishes

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne is rich and hearty, so pair it with simple sides like a bright green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette or crisp roasted veggies. A few slices of warm, crusty bread are the perfect tool for mopping up any extra sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd or want to add pizzazz, spoon your steaming penne into a large serving bowl and top with a mosaic of mozzarella and parsley. For individual servings, try ladling the pasta into shallow bowls and topping each with a swirl of cheese and a final sprinkle of herbs—it looks (and tastes!) like a restaurant-worthy treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any remaining Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to absorb some sauce as it rests, making leftovers a bit thicker—still completely delicious!

Freezing

For freezer-friendly comfort food, portion the cooled pasta and sauce mixture into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to three months. When possible, add a splash of extra cream or broth before reheating to restore the sauce’s silky texture.

Reheating

Gently warm leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. You can also microwave portions in short intervals, stirring between sessions. If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of milk or broth until it’s perfectly creamy again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne is classic for this dish, you can easily swap it for rotini, rigatoni, or even shells—anything sturdy enough to scoop up that creamy sauce will work wonderfully.

Is it okay to use frozen chicken instead of fresh?

For safety and best results, thaw your chicken completely before adding it to the slow cooker. Starting with frozen chicken can increase the time it spends in the “danger zone” temperature, so it’s best to use fresh or fully thawed meat.

Can I make Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne lighter?

Definitely! Swap heavy cream for half-and-half, light cream, or even Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier twist. You can also reduce the cheese a bit or use part-skim versions if you prefer.

How can I add extra vegetables to this?

For added color and nutrition, stirring in baby spinach, frozen peas, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes in the last 30 minutes of cooking is a great idea. These tasty extras make Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne even more satisfying.

Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can sauté the onions and garlic and measure out all the ingredients the night before. In the morning, just assemble and start the slow cooker. You can also pre-cook your pasta and refrigerate it until you’re ready to mix in at the end.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that brings smiles to the table and comfort to every bite, I can’t recommend Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne enough. With its simple prep and dreamy flavors, it’s one of those recipes you’ll happily make on repeat—so go ahead, gather your ingredients and see how magical a single slow cooker meal can be!

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne with this easy-to-follow recipe. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a decadent blend of cheeses come together in a savory Italian-inspired dish that’s sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sauce:

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika

Additional Ingredients:

12 ounces penne pasta, cooked al dente
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients: Transfer to slow cooker, add chicken, soup, broth, cream, seasonings. Cook until chicken is tender.
Shred Chicken: Remove, shred, then return to sauce.
Finish Dish: Stir in pasta, cheeses until melted. Let sit before serving. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

For extra flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes or spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
You can substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Best served fresh to prevent pasta from absorbing sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian-American