If you’re craving a comforting, rich, and satisfying dish that practically makes itself, you absolutely have to try this Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Penne Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of tender chicken bathed in a silky, cheesy sauce with tender penne that soaks up every bit of flavor. What I love most is how effortless it is—just a few simple steps and ingredients, and you get a restaurant-quality meal that warms you up from the inside out. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend dinner, this recipe will quickly become your new go-to for pure, creamy comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Penne Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients list is. Each component plays a crucial role, building layers of flavor and texture that come together beautifully in the slow cooker.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that stays juicy and tender after slow cooking.
- 3 cups heavy cream: Provides the luscious creaminess that defines this dish’s rich sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds depth without overpowering, balancing the cream’s richness perfectly.
- ¼ cup butter: Melts into the sauce to boost flavor and contribute to that silky texture.
- 1 tablespoon garlic puree: Garlic gives the dish an aromatic kick and complexity without being sharp.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the dish delicately.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth.
- 10 oz penne pasta, uncooked: This sturdy pasta shape holds the sauce well and is perfect for slow cooking.
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty punch that elevates the sauce.
- ½ tablespoon parsley flakes: A touch of green for freshness and a mild herbaceous note.
How to Make Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Penne Recipe
Step 1: Layer Ingredients
Start by giving your slow cooker a quick spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom—this ensures even cooking. Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth over the chicken, then add the butter, garlic puree, salt, and pepper. This combination lays down a rich, savory base that will bubble quietly for hours, melding those flavors beautifully.
Step 2: Cook Chicken
Cover your slow cooker and set it to HIGH. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 3 hours. During this time, the chicken will become incredibly tender and soak up all the creamy goodness around it. Trust this process; it’s the heart of this dish’s mouthwatering texture.
Step 3: Add Pasta
After about 2 hours of cooking, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks—this shredding step makes a huge difference because shredded chicken blends seamlessly with the creamy sauce. Next, toss the uncooked penne pasta and shredded Parmesan cheese into the slow cooker. Stir everything together until the cheese starts melting into the sauce. Cover again and let it cook for another 30 minutes so the pasta cooks perfectly right in the sauce.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and sprinkle in the parsley flakes for a fresh pop of color and mild herb flavor. After stirring, cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes to let everything marry nicely. Finally, turn off the slow cooker and get ready to serve a bowl of pure comfort.
How to Serve Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Penne Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan or freshly cracked black pepper right before serving to add an inviting aroma and a touch of texture. A few fresh parsley leaves are also lovely to brighten up the creamy tones and make the dish look extra inviting. If you want a bit of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a nice kick without overpowering the flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully rich and filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette offers a fresh contrast that balances the creaminess perfectly. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls also make fantastic companions—they’re perfect for mopping up every last bit of the delightful sauce. If you want to keep things simple yet satisfying, some steamed or roasted green vegetables like broccoli or asparagus work beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Penne Recipe in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or small casseroles straight from the slow cooker, which creates a cozy and homestyle presentation. You can also sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or crispy bacon bits on top for an unexpected textural contrast. And if you’re serving guests, plating individual servings with a drizzle of truffle oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs makes this feel like a truly special meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy chicken and penne can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It thickens when chilled, which is a great excuse to add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to bring it back to that silky consistency you love.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, allow it to cool completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Avoid freezing pasta-heavy dishes for too long to prevent sogginess; consume within 1 to 2 months for best taste and texture. When defrosting, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a little chicken broth, cream, or water to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir often to ensure even heating and keep that creamy texture. Slow and easy reheating brings back the flavors without drying out the chicken or pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne holds up well in slow cooking, you can use rigatoni, rotini, or even shells. Just keep in mind cooking times may vary slightly, so add the pasta when the chicken is done and adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this in an instant pot?
Yes, but with some adjustments. You’ll want to use the sauté function first for the butter and garlic, pressure cook the chicken with cream and broth, then add the pasta towards the end. Just watch the cooking time closely since pasta can overcook quickly under pressure.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs will add even more juiciness and a richer flavor. Just ensure they cook through fully—sometimes thighs may take a little less time, so keep an eye on the texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe is not gluten-free as written because of the penne pasta. However, swapping in gluten-free pasta varieties makes this dish totally safe for gluten-sensitive eaters without sacrificing flavor or texture.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
Using half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream can reduce fat content, but the sauce will be less thick. You can also cut back on butter a bit and add some veggies like spinach or peas to boost nutrition and freshness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably special about settling in with a bowl of this Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Penne Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug—effortless to make, deeply satisfying, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Give it a try soon and watch it become a cherished favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne recipe is a comforting and easy one-pot meal featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich creamy sauce with penne pasta, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a hassle-free dinner, it combines simple ingredients cooked low and slow for a hearty family dish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 tablespoon garlic puree
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Garnish
- 10 oz penne pasta, uncooked
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ tablespoon parsley flakes
Instructions
- Layer Ingredients: Spray the inside of the slow cooker (Crock Pot) with cooking spray. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth over the chicken. Add butter, garlic puree, salt, and black pepper on top to build the sauce.
- Cook Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH setting for 3 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb the creamy sauce flavors.
- Shred Chicken & Add Pasta: After 2 hours of cooking, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks.
- Continue Cooking Pasta: Add uncooked penne pasta and shredded Parmesan cheese into the slow cooker. Stir well to combine with the sauce.
- Cook Pasta: Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on HIGH, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the creamy sauce.
- Combine & Finish: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, sprinkle parsley flakes on top, and stir to combine evenly.
- Final Cook: Cover and cook for a further 10 minutes on HIGH to blend flavors together.
- Serve: Turn off the slow cooker and serve the creamy chicken and penne immediately.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream but expect a thinner sauce.
- Use gluten-free penne pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- If you prefer thicker sauce, remove the lid in the last 10 minutes to let some liquid evaporate.
- Fresh parsley can be used instead of dried parsley flakes for a brighter flavor.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through and tender before shredding for best texture.
