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
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 125mg