Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Penne

Description

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Penne is a rich, comforting, and family-friendly pasta dish made with tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Everything cooks together in the slow cooker, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully while keeping the chicken juicy and the sauce smooth and flavorful. It’s an easy, hands-off dinner that feels like a restaurant-style meal at home.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup spinach (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Method

1. Place chicken, chicken broth, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning into the slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender.
3. Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
4. Add cream cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Stir until melted and creamy.
5. Add uncooked penne pasta and mix well, ensuring pasta is mostly covered with liquid.
6. Cover and cook on HIGH for 30–40 minutes, stirring once or twice, until pasta is tender.
7. Stir in spinach if using and cook for another 5 minutes.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

• Stir pasta occasionally to prevent sticking.
• You can use rotisserie chicken to reduce cooking time.
• Sauce will thicken as it cools.

Tips

• Don’t overcook pasta—it should be al dente.
• Add extra broth if mixture becomes too thick.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for smoother sauce.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes.

Servings

Serves 6 people

Nutritional Info (Per Serving Approx.)

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 720mg

Benefits

• High in protein for muscle support
• Comforting and filling one-pot meal
• Easy slow cooker convenience
• Great for family dinners or meal prep
• Balanced mix of carbs, protein, and fats
• Customizable with vegetables

Q&A

Q: Can I use different pasta?
A: Yes, rotini or rigatoni also work well.

Q: Can I make it lighter?
A: Use light cream cheese and milk instead of heavy cream.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes, but pasta may soften slightly after reheating.

Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Yes, mushrooms, peas, or broccoli are great additions.

Q: Why is my sauce too thick?
A: Add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it.