If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, rich, and incredibly satisfying dish to savor any night of the week, the Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe is an absolute game changer. This recipe brings together tender chicken breasts, luscious heavy cream, and perfectly cooked penne pasta with just the right touch of garlic and Parmesan, all slow-cooked to creamy, dreamy perfection. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or feeding a hungry crowd, this dish wraps you in warmth and flavor that feels like a homemade hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe’s rich taste and smooth texture. Each component contributes in its own way—from the creamy base to the savory herbs—making the final dish irresistibly satisfying.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein star that stays tender while soaking up all the creamy goodness.
- 3 cups heavy cream: This is what creates the velvety, rich sauce that envelops every bite of pasta and chicken.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the cream’s richness with savory undertones.
- ¼ cup butter: Boosts the dish’s silky texture and buttery flavor that feels indulgent but deserves it.
- 1 tablespoon garlic puree: Brings a mellow garlic punch without overpowering the delicate creaminess.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and seasons the dish just right.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick that wakes up your palate.
- 10 oz penne pasta, uncooked: Perfectly shaped pasta that holds the creamy sauce in every curve.
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Infuses the sauce with a nutty, savory finish that makes it truly comforting.
- ½ tablespoon parsley flakes: A sprinkle of color and fresh herbaceous notes to brighten the dish before serving.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker and Layer Ingredients
Begin by giving your Crock Pot a quick spritz with cooking spray so nothing sticks and cleanup is effortless. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer on the bottom—this ensures even cooking. Then, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth to create that luscious sauce base. Adding butter, garlic puree, salt, and pepper at this stage infuses the chicken with flavorful richness as it simmers slowly.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic on HIGH for about 3 hours. This part is key because it gently cooks the chicken to tender perfection while letting the cream and broth thicken slightly, soaking up all those cozy flavors. Your kitchen will start to fill with the most inviting aroma, making the wait totally worth it.
Step 3: Shred Chicken and Add Pasta
After about 2 hours into cooking, remove the chicken breasts to shred them with two forks. This step is a satisfying way to see the tender texture you’ve created. Next, stir in the uncooked penne pasta along with the shredded Parmesan directly into the Crock Pot. Cover again and let the pasta cook for an additional 30 minutes, absorbing the creamy sauce until perfectly soft and flavorful.
Step 4: Finish with Chicken and Parsley
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, sprinkle in the parsley flakes, and give everything a good stir to combine. Cover for a final 10-minute cook to warm the chicken back through and meld all the tastes. Then, turn off your slow cooker and get ready to serve this heartwarming dish!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate this dish wonderfully. A light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan before serving adds an extra cheesy punch. You can also add a few extra sprinkles of parsley or even torn fresh basil leaves for a pop of green and fresh aroma that awakens your senses.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken and penne pairs beautifully with crisp, fresh sides to balance the richness. Consider serving alongside a bright green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Crusty garlic bread is also a perfect companion for sopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn this recipe into individual servings by ladling it into small oven-safe ramekins and finishing them under the broiler with a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan for a bubbly, golden topping. Or serve over a bed of sautéed spinach for an extra nutrient boost and a touch of color contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Transfer the cooled dish into airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent odors from mingling with other foods.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal. Allow it to cool completely before placing in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It should be consumed within 1 to 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen. Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to keep the creamy sauce smooth and to prevent the pasta from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta instead of penne?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal because it catches the creamy sauce well, you can swap in other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle depending on what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a rich non-dairy creamer, and use dairy-free butter and Parmesan-style nutritional yeast for a similar flavor profile without dairy.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will give a slightly richer flavor and remain juicy. Just adjust the cooking time if needed, as thighs may cook a bit faster.
How thick should the sauce be when it’s done cooking?
The sauce should be creamy and thick enough to coat the pasta without being runny. If it’s too thin, you can remove the lid during the final minutes to let some liquid evaporate or stir in a bit more Parmesan cheese to thicken it up.
Can I prepare any part of this recipe in advance?
You can definitely prepare the chicken, cream, broth, and seasoning mixture ahead and refrigerate it overnight; then just add the pasta and cook the next day. This cut down on active kitchen time on cooking day.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about coming home to a slow cooker filled with creamy, tender chicken and perfectly cooked penne pasta. This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe hits all the comfort food notes with minimal effort and maximum flavor. I hope you find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again whenever you crave a warm, satisfying meal that feels like a little bit of love in every bite. Give it a try and enjoy the cozy deliciousness!
Print
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne recipe combines tender shredded chicken with rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked penne pasta for a comforting and easy meal. Using a slow cooker, this dish builds flavor with minimal hands-on time, making it ideal for busy days while delivering a hearty Italian-inspired dinner.
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
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of the crock pot with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the crock pot. Pour heavy cream and chicken broth evenly over the chicken. Add butter, garlic puree, salt, and black pepper to the mixture.
- Cook Chicken: Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on HIGH for 2 hours to allow the chicken to cook thoroughly and the flavors to meld.
- Shred Chicken & Add Pasta: After 2 hours, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them using forks. Add the uncooked penne pasta and shredded Parmesan cheese directly into the cream sauce in the crock pot. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
- Cook Pasta: Cover and continue cooking on HIGH for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook in the creamy sauce and absorb good flavor.
- Combine & Finish: Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and sprinkle in parsley flakes. Stir to combine everything once again, cover, and cook for an additional 10 minutes to meld flavors before turning off the crock pot and serving.
Notes
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model.
- For a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Make sure to stir gently after adding pasta to prevent sticking at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- You can garnish with additional grated Parmesan or fresh parsley for extra flavor just before serving.
- Ensure the penne is fully cooked but still al dente by checking during the last 30-minute cooking stage.
