Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne

By Tyla | Last modified on Feb 1, 2026

Featured in: Dinner

Discover the comforting warmth of Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne, a creamy and cheesy pasta delight that brings convenience and rich flavors to your dining table. This effortless slow cooker dish combines tender chicken with perfectly cooked penne and a luscious blend of cheeses, enveloped in a savory sauce with tomatoes and Italian seasoning.

Ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, this recipe infuses every bite with comfort and heartiness, all while requiring minimal hands-on time. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-off slow cooking makes meal prep simple and stress-free.
Rich, creamy cheese sauce perfectly complements tender chicken and pasta.
Customizable with added vegetables for nutrition and flavor.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides lean, tender protein that melds into the sauce after slow cooking.
Penne pasta: Classic tubular pasta that holds sauce well and cooks evenly in the slow cooker.
Cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can): Adds creamy richness and depth to the slow cooker sauce base.
Chicken broth: Enhances moisture and infuses savory flavor into the dish during cooking.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Offers sharpness and creamy meltiness for a cheesy indulgence.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides gooey texture and mild flavor that balances the cheddar.
Diced tomatoes: Adds brightness and a subtle acidity to contrast the rich cheese sauce.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the dish’s aromatic and savory profile.
Garlic powder: Infuses subtle garlicky depth without overpowering other flavors.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to taste, elevating all the combined flavors.
Fresh parsley: Used as a fresh garnish to add color and a mild herbal note.

Instructions

Season the chicken breasts: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the slow cooker’s base, seasoning them evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This initial seasoning step ensures the chicken carries flavor throughout the cooking process.
Mix soup and broth: In a bowl, thoroughly combine the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth until smooth. This mixture creates a creamy, flavorful cooking liquid that keeps your chicken moist and infuses the dish with savory essence.
Add soup mixture and toppings: Pour the soup and broth mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Then, layer the diced tomatoes and penne pasta evenly on top. Gently stir to partially combine, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged to cook evenly without sticking.
Slow cook the poultry and pasta: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. This slow, steady heat tenderizes the chicken fully and allows the pasta to absorb flavors, resulting in a creamy, cohesive dish.
Shred the chicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Returning the chicken to the cooker helps integrate the shredded meat into the sauce and pasta, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Incorporate cheeses: Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted and creamy. This step enriches the texture and flavor, creating a luscious, cheesy coating that binds the ingredients perfectly.
Final seasoning and garnish: Taste and adjust with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the dish hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma.

You Must Know

Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker model and heat settings.
Ensure pasta is fully submerged in liquid to prevent it from drying out during cooking.
Use a non-stick slow cooker liner or spray to avoid sticking and ease clean-up.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy chicken penne with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A crusty garlic bread side pairs wonderfully to soak up the delicious sauce.

Professional Tips

For added nutrition, stir in fresh spinach or bell peppers before cooking.
Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melt and flavor.
Check pasta texture midway through cooking to avoid over-softening, adjusting liquid or time as needed.

FAQs

Can I use other pasta shapes for this recipe?: Yes, other short pasta such as fusilli or rotini work well, but adjust cooking times slightly depending on shape thickness.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot?: Yes, using the pressure cook function with a sauté step to brown chicken first can speed up the process.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?: Substitute the cheeses with non-dairy alternatives and use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup or homemade sauce.
Can this recipe be doubled for meal prep?: Absolutely, just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased volume without overfilling.
What if I prefer a spicier flavor?: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup mixture before cooking for a gentle heat kick.