Irresistible Cheesy Chicken Penne Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that satisfy hungry appetites with minimal effort.

This mouthwatering cheesy chicken penne recipe delivers comfort and flavor in every single bite.

Creamy cheese sauce blankets tender pasta and succulent chicken pieces, creating a meal that feels both indulgent and simple.

Perfectly seasoned and incredibly easy to prepare, the dish comes together in under 30 minutes.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of rich, melted cheese and perfectly cooked chicken.

The recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to add this crowd-pleasing pasta to your regular dinner rotation.

Cheesy Chicken Penne: What Makes It Comforting

• Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, transforming basic ingredients into a mouthwatering dinner with minimal effort.
• Swap seasonings, adjust cheese types, or add vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours without complicated cooking techniques.
• Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, this one-pot wonder appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime stress-free and delicious.
• Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or weeknight dinners, this hearty dish satisfies hungry crowds with its rich, comforting flavors.

Must-Have Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Penne

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken provides the main protein for this hearty comfort dish.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream, Cheddar Cheese: These creamy ingredients create a rich and velvety sauce that adds deep flavor and smooth texture to the recipe.

• Mushrooms, Yellow Onion: Fresh vegetables that contribute earthy and sweet undertones to the dish.
• Tarragon, Black Pepper: Herbs and spices that enhance the overall flavor profile with subtle aromatic notes.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and additional depth of flavor to the slow cooker mixture.
• Penne Pasta: A classic pasta shape that perfectly captures the creamy sauce and absorbs the delicious flavors.

Kitchen Tools for Slow Cooker Penne

• Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking the chicken and creating the creamy base.
• Large Forks: Perfect for shredding the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker.
• Pasta Pot: Needed to cook the penne pasta according to package instructions.
• Colander: Used to drain the cooked pasta before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring ingredients like broth, soup, and seasonings.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and combining the dish.

Slow Cooking Cheesy Chicken Penne

Step 1: Create Creamy Base

Mix cream of chicken soup and chicken broth in the slow cooker until completely blended.

This rich foundation will provide amazing depth of flavor for your dish.

Step 2: Build Flavor Layers

• Dried leaf tarragon
• Black pepper
• Sliced mushrooms
• Diced sweet yellow onion

Place whole chicken breasts on top of the seasoned mixture.

Step 3: Slow Cook The Chicken

Cover and cook on LOW temperature for 6 hours.

Resist lifting the lid to maintain consistent cooking temperature.

Step 4: Prepare Perfect Pasta

While chicken cooks, boil penne pasta until perfectly tender.

Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Transform Chicken Texture

Using two forks, gently pull apart chicken breasts into delicious shredded pieces right inside the slow cooker.

Step 6: Enhance With Creamy Goodness

Fold in sour cream and sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese into the chicken mixture.

Step 7: Combine And Melt

Add cooked penne to the slow cooker, stirring gently.

Top with remaining cheese and cook for additional 20 minutes on low.

Step 8: Serve And Savor

Scoop steaming cheesy chicken penne onto plates and enjoy this comforting meal!

Tips for Creamy, Cheesy Penne Results

• Cook pasta separately and add just before serving to maintain perfect al dente texture and prevent overcooking.
• Sauté onions and mushrooms before adding to slow cooker to enhance their natural sweetness and develop richer taste.
• Swap full-fat sour cream and cheddar for Greek yogurt and reduced-fat cheese to create a healthier version without sacrificing creaminess.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley instead of tarragon to add bright, fresh notes to the dish.
• Use gluten-free pasta and cream of chicken soup to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Flavor Twists for Slow Cooker Chicken Penne

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace penne pasta with gluten-free penne or rice pasta. Use cornstarch instead of regular flour if thickening is needed.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for enhanced flavor.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace penne with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Reduce mushrooms and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to maintain creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cheddar cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives. Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of sour cream for similar richness.

Serving Cheesy Chicken Penne Family-Style

• Family Feast Night: Invite loved ones to gather around the table and enjoy this hearty meal together, creating warm memories with each cheesy bite.
• Potluck Perfection: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to community gatherings or neighborhood parties, where it's sure to be a hit among friends and family.
• Weeknight Wellness: Pair the creamy pasta with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to add extra nutrition and balance to the comforting main course.
• Leftover Magic: Store any remaining portions in airtight containers for quick lunches or reheat for a delicious next-day meal that tastes just as good as the first serving.

Penne Storage and Reheating Ideas

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn and maintain taste.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour leftovers into skillet. Add small amount of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy texture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rotini, ziti, or bowtie pasta. Just ensure you cook the pasta al dente before adding to the slow cooker.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

• Can I make this recipe without mushrooms?

Of course! If you don’t like mushrooms, you can simply omit them or replace with diced bell peppers for added texture and nutrition. The recipe will still be delicious.

Cheesy Chicken Penne Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy cheesy chicken penne delivers comforting Italian-American flavors with perfectly seasoned chicken and rich cheese sauce. Hearty pasta promises satisfaction for home cooks seeking delicious weeknight dinner solutions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1.5 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1 small sweet yellow onion, diced

Base and Liquid Ingredients:

• 21 ounces (two–10.5 ounce cans) cream of chicken soup (do not add water)
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 pound penne pasta (cooked according to package directions on stove-top)

Seasonings:

• 0.25 teaspoon pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon dried leaf tarragon (can substitute oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the slow cooker base by whisking cream of chicken soup and chicken broth until completely smooth and uniform in texture.
2. Incorporate aromatic seasonings including tarragon, pepper, sliced mushrooms, and diced yellow onion into the liquid mixture. Gently nestle whole chicken breasts into the seasoned sauce.
3. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow chicken to simmer on LOW temperature for 6 hours without interruption, ensuring tender and flavorful meat development.
4. During the final hour of cooking, separately prepare penne pasta in boiling water until perfectly al dente, avoiding overcooking to maintain ideal pasta texture.
5. Once chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to meticulously shred the meat directly within the slow cooker’s sauce, creating tender, bite-sized pieces.
6. Enrich the sauce by folding in sour cream and approximately half of the shredded cheddar cheese, creating a luxuriously creamy consistency.
7. Carefully introduce drained pasta into the slow cooker, gently folding to ensure even coating. Sprinkle remaining cheese across the top and allow to melt for an additional 20 minutes on low heat.
8. Serve immediately while piping hot, presenting a comforting and indulgent one-pot meal that promises delightful flavors in every spoonful.

Notes

• Opt for low-sodium cream of chicken soup to control salt content and make the dish healthier for those watching their sodium intake.
• Swap chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation method that still delivers rich, tender protein.
• Use gluten-free penne and ensure cream of chicken soup is gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or chives right before serving to boost fresh flavor and enhance the dish’s visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 516
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 910 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg