If you’re craving a comforting, luscious meal that magically comes together without fuss, the Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender chicken simmered in a rich, velvety sauce with perfectly cooked penne pasta soaking up every bit of that creaminess—this dish feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s effortless to prepare and incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want to treat yourself without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, coming together in harmony to create that creamy, flavorful texture and gorgeous color. Simplicity is key, and you’ll find yourself appreciating how these familiar items transform into something truly special.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The tender protein foundation soaking up all the delicious flavors.
- 3 cups heavy cream: The secret to that indulgently creamy sauce that clings to every penne pasta piece.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and savory notes without overpowering the creaminess.
- ¼ cup butter: Enriches the sauce with a smooth, buttery finish.
- 1 tablespoon garlic puree: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic garlic flavor, no chopping needed.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances the flavors perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick that brightens the overall taste.
- 10 oz penne pasta, uncooked: Cooks directly in the slow cooker, soaking up all the tasty sauce.
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, nutty contrast and thickness to the sauce.
- ½ tablespoon parsley flakes: Sprinkles in a touch of freshness and color at the end.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe
Step 1: Layer Ingredients
Begin by spraying the inside of your Crock Pot with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom. Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth over the chicken, then add the butter, garlic puree, salt, and black pepper. This layering sets the stage for the chicken to absorb all the creamy goodness while cooking.
Step 2: Cook Chicken
Cover your slow cooker and let the chicken cook on HIGH for about 3 hours. As the chicken cooks, it will become tender and juicy, releasing juices that blend beautifully with the cream and broth mixture, creating a luscious sauce base that’s impossible to resist.
Step 3: Add Pasta
After 2 hours of cooking, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, then add the uncooked penne pasta and shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir everything well to combine, ensuring that every pasta piece is coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Cover and let the pasta cook for another 30 minutes, allowing it to become perfectly tender while soaking up the flavorful sauce. Once done, stir in the parsley flakes, cover once more, and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Then turn off the slow cooker, and your dish is ready to be served piping hot with that irresistible creamy texture.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or extra chopped parsley can elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise. For an extra burst of color and texture, consider adding a few red pepper flakes or a drizzle of olive oil to finish.
Side Dishes
Pairing this creamy chicken and penne with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables offers a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or crusty baguettes are also excellent for soaking up any remaining sauce, making the meal feel complete and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in shallow bowls to emphasize its creamy, saucy nature. For a fun twist, top it with toasted pine nuts or crispy bacon crumbles to add crunch and a new flavor dimension that will surprise and delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because this recipe is so rich, leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain freshness and prevent condensation.
Freezing
You can freeze the Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe, but it’s best to do so without the pasta, as it can become mushy when thawed. Freeze the creamy chicken sauce separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, then prepare fresh pasta when ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of cream or broth during reheating can help restore its silky consistency and keep every bite as enjoyable as the first.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works beautifully because it holds the sauce well, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or shells would be great substitutes and add their own unique texture to the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or a creamy dairy-free alternative, and use vegan butter and cheese options. Just keep in mind this may alter the flavor profile slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat and tend to be juicier, which can add extra richness to the dish. Just make sure to adjust cooking time if needed to ensure they’re fully cooked and tender.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
For a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when layering the ingredients. You can also top with sliced jalapeños or a spicy hot sauce when serving.
Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?
No pre-cooking needed! The uncooked penne goes straight into the slow cooker and cooks in the creamy sauce, absorbing all those fantastic flavors and becoming tender by the end of the cooking time.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe is a true game-changer for anyone who loves comfort food without the hassle. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal effort, you get a dish that delivers warmth, indulgence, and pure satisfaction in every forkful. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your cozy dinner rotation!
Print
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a luscious creamy sauce, cooked low and slow for a flavorful and comforting pasta dish. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal that brings rich flavors to your table with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Dairy
- 3 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup butter
Liquids
- 1 cup chicken broth
Seasonings and Herbs
- 1 tablespoon garlic puree
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ tablespoon parsley flakes
Pasta
- 10 oz penne pasta, uncooked
Instructions
- Prepare Crock Pot: Spray the inside of the Crock Pot with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add Liquid Ingredients and Seasonings: Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth evenly over the chicken. Add the butter, garlic puree, salt, and black pepper into the slow cooker.
- Cook Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on HIGH for 3 hours to allow the chicken to become tender and infused with the creamy sauce.
- Shred Chicken and Add Pasta: After 2 hours of cooking, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Add the uncooked penne pasta and shredded Parmesan cheese to the slow cooker and stir to combine well.
- Continue Cooking Pasta: Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on HIGH, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors and soften perfectly.
- Combine and Finish: Stir the shredded chicken back into the creamy sauce with the pasta. Sprinkle parsley flakes over the dish and cover to cook for 10 more minutes to meld flavors before turning off the slow cooker.
- Serve: Once done, serve the creamy chicken and penne immediately while hot and enjoy a hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- You can add vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce salt content.
- If you want a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- This recipe is best served immediately but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
