Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe
If you have ever wondered how to create a rich, comforting dinner with minimal hands-on time, this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender, juicy chicken slowly simmered in a luscious cream sauce, infused with garlic and butter, mingling perfectly with al dente penne pasta and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s creamy, flavorful, and so satisfying – all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or just craving that cozy, homemade goodness without the fuss, this recipe delivers every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe lies in its simplicity and balance. Each ingredient is chosen to build layers of flavor while keeping the process straightforward. From the richness of heavy cream to the sharpness of Parmesan, these essentials bring harmony to every bite.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides tender, juicy protein that absorbs all the creamy flavors beautifully.
- 3 cups heavy cream: Creates the luxurious base for the sauce, giving it that signature creamy texture.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and a subtle savory note to balance the richness.
- ¼ cup butter: Infuses the dish with a velvety finish and enhances the savory aroma.
- 1 tablespoon garlic puree: Delivers a mellow garlicky flavor that is essential but not overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Just enough to highlight the flavors without overwhelming the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity to the sauce.
- 10 oz penne pasta, uncooked: The perfect pasta shape to soak up sauce while maintaining a delightful bite.
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty finish that melts into the sauce wonderfully.
- ½ tablespoon parsley flakes: Adds a fresh, herbal note and a pop of color at the end.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe
Step 1: Layer Ingredients
Start by spraying the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom. Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth evenly over the chicken. Then add butter, garlic puree, salt, and black pepper. This layering ensures the chicken slowly absorbs all those creamy, buttery flavors.
Step 2: Cook Chicken
Cover your slow cooker and set it on HIGH for 3 hours. This slow, gentle cooking lets the chicken become tender and soak up the base flavors, setting the stage for that perfect sauce.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Parmesan
After the chicken has cooked for 2 hours, carefully remove it and shred with two forks. Now, add the uncooked penne pasta and shredded Parmesan cheese directly into the slow cooker. Stir everything together to combine the pasta with the rich sauce, then cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes. The pasta will cook perfectly, absorbing all that creamy goodness.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot, stirring in the parsley flakes for a burst of fresh color and flavor. Cover again and cook for a final 10 minutes, allowing all the ingredients to meld beautifully. Once done, turn off the slow cooker and get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish even more, sprinkle extra Parmesan or freshly chopped parsley on top just before serving. A light drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon can add brightness and contrast to the richness, making every bite pop with flavor.
Side Dishes
This creamy comfort dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for mopping up every last bit of sauce. A simple side of steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach also complements the meal with fresh, vibrant greens.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve it straight from the slow cooker for that warm, rustic feel. Want to impress guests? Plate the penne and chicken neatly in shallow bowls, garnish with parsley, and add a small wedge of lemon on the side. It creates a restaurant-style experience without any extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe should be transferred into an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce may thicken when chilled, but it will reheat beautifully, keeping the chicken tender and flavors intact.
Freezing
This dish freezes quite well, especially if stored before adding pasta, which can sometimes get mushy. Freeze the shredded chicken and sauce separately from the cooked pasta for best results. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and combine before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent separation and keep the sauce smooth. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick after reheating. This helps revitalize the creamy texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and can even add extra moisture and flavor due to their higher fat content. Just keep an eye on cooking times as thighs may cook a bit faster or slower depending on size.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream?
Heavy cream is key to achieving the rich, velvety sauce characteristic of this dish. You could substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but the sauce won’t be as thick or creamy.
Can I prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?
While using a slow cooker is what makes this recipe so hands-off and convenient, you could adapt it for stovetop cooking by simmering gently in a covered saucepan, but careful attention is needed to prevent burning or overcooking the chicken.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Adding the penne during the last 30-40 minutes of cooking helps it remain firm yet tender. Avoid adding pasta too early, as it will absorb too much liquid and become soft.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding chopped mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers works well and adds extra nutrition and color. Just add them during the last hour or so of cooking to prevent over-softening.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s foolproof, delicious, and endlessly comforting with its rich sauce and tender chicken. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite to keep in your recipe rotation for busy nights or whenever you need a little extra cozy in your life. Grab your slow cooker and enjoy the delightful ease and flavor this recipe brings to your table!
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Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Penne recipe is a comforting, easy-to-make dish featuring tender shredded chicken simmered in a rich, creamy sauce with penne pasta. Prepared in a Crock Pot, this meal combines succulent chicken breasts, heavy cream, chicken broth, buttery garlic flavor, and Parmesan cheese for a hearty family-friendly 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 Finishings
- 10 oz penne pasta, uncooked
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ tablespoon parsley flakes
Instructions
- Layer Ingredients: Lightly spray the inside of the Crock Pot with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer on the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth over the chicken, then add the butter, garlic puree, salt, and black pepper on top.
- Cook Chicken: Cover the Crock Pot and cook on HIGH for 3 hours. This will allow the chicken to cook thoroughly and absorb the creamy flavors.
- Add Pasta: After approximately 2 hours of cooking, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Add the uncooked penne pasta and shredded Parmesan cheese to the mixture, stirring well to combine all ingredients.
- Cook Pasta: Cover again and continue cooking for 30 minutes on HIGH to allow the pasta to soften and absorb the sauce.
- Combine and Finish: Stir in the shredded chicken and parsley flakes evenly. Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes to meld flavors and heat through. Turn off the slow cooker and serve the creamy chicken and penne hot.
Notes
- Cook time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model.
- For a lighter dish, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a small slurry of cornstarch and water during the final 10 minutes of cooking.
- Fresh parsley can be used instead of flakes for added freshness.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute penne pasta with a gluten-free pasta variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
