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Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner! This is the ultimate ‘set it and forget it’ meal that delivers a rich, creamy, and cheesy pasta dish with minimal effort. We’re talking tender, shredded chicken swimming in a savory, ranch-infused sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne. If you’re looking for a foolproof comfort food recipe that the whole family will devour (and that makes for amazing leftovers), you’ve found it with this incredible Slow Cooker Chicken Penne Pasta. Forget standing over a hot stove; your slow cooker is about to do all the heavy lifting.
Why This Crockpot Recipe is a Game-Changer
In a world of complicated recipes, this crockpot chicken penne pasta stands out for its beautiful simplicity and incredible flavor. It’s not just another meal; it’s a solution for busy evenings, delivering restaurant-quality taste with hardly any fuss. Here’s why this easy slow cooker chicken pasta will become a staple in your rotation:
- Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: This is a true ‘dump and go’ crockpot chicken pasta recipe. You spend about 5 minutes adding ingredients to the slow cooker and let it work its magic. No browning, no sautéing, just pure convenience.
- Incredibly Creamy & Cheesy: The combination of cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, and cheddar cheese creates a luxuriously smooth and decadent sauce. This is truly a creamy chicken pasta crock pot masterpiece that melts in your mouth.
- Perfectly Tender Chicken: Slow cooking boneless, skinless chicken breasts makes them fall-apart tender and incredibly easy to shred right in the pot, infusing every strand with flavor.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: This dish is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. The mild, creamy, and cheesy flavors are universally loved, making it one of the best family friendly crockpot meals you can make.
- Amazing Leftovers: As any good weeknight slow cooker meal should, this dish reheats beautifully, often tasting even better the next day! It’s perfect for packed lunches or a quick dinner encore.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Chicken Penne Pasta
This delightful Slow Cooker Chicken Penne Pasta recipe relies on simple, accessible pantry staples to create something truly delicious. You likely have most of these on hand already! Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and potential substitutions to get that perfect cheesy chicken penne pasta slow cooker experience.
The Protein: Chicken Breast
We recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean and tender result. The best part? You can put them in frozen, making this a perfect last-minute meal idea and an excellent recipe with frozen chicken breast. You’ll achieve wonderfully tender shredded chicken pasta every time.
The Creamy Base: Soup & Milk
The foundation of our rich sauce is a can of condensed cream of chicken soup and milk. This creates a savory, velvety texture that generously coats every piece of pasta, ensuring a truly chicken penne pasta with cream of chicken soup experience.
The Flavor Secret: Ranch Seasoning
A packet of dry ranch seasoning is the secret weapon here. It adds a tangy, herby complexity that elevates the dish beyond a simple cream sauce, transforming it into a crave-worthy slow cooker ranch chicken pasta. Don’t skip this!
The Cheesy Finish: Cheddar & Sour Cream
Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the sauce, adding that essential gooey, savory goodness. We also love the optional addition of sour cream for an extra layer of richness and tang. This truly makes it a fantastic chicken and cheese pasta.
The Pasta: Penne
Penne is a great choice for this slow cooker chicken pasta recipe because its tube shape and ridges are perfect for catching the creamy sauce. However, other short pasta shapes like rotini or ziti will work wonderfully too, making it one of those versatile penne pasta recipes.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Penne Pasta (Step-by-Step)
Here is a clear, step-by-step guide to creating this effortless slow cooker chicken penne pasta dish. We’ve formalized the process into a simple flow you can follow every time to ensure perfect results and an amazing dump and go crockpot chicken pasta experience. Get ready to learn how to make chicken pasta in slow cooker like a pro!
- Combine Sauce Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: In the basin of your slow cooker, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, and the entire packet of ranch seasoning until smooth and well combined.
- Add the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts (fresh or frozen) into the sauce mixture. Spoon some of the sauce over the top to ensure they are mostly submerged and will cook evenly.
- Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker’s efficiency and whether the chicken is frozen. The chicken is done when it is cooked through and tender, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken breasts to a cutting board or, for less mess, shred them directly in the slow cooker using two forks. It should fall apart easily. Stir the shredded chicken pasta back into the creamy sauce.
- Cook the Pasta Separately: While the chicken is cooking or after it’s shredded, cook the penne pasta in a separate large pot of salted, boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain it well and set aside.
- Combine Everything: Stir the sour cream (if using) and shredded cheddar cheese into the chicken and sauce mixture in the slow cooker until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined and gloriously creamy. Finally, add the drained, cooked pasta to the slow cooker and stir gently to coat every noodle in the rich, creamy sauce. Season with black pepper to taste and serve your incredible Slow Cooker Chicken Penne Pasta immediately.
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Penne Pasta
Achieving the perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Penne Pasta is easy, but a few expert tips can elevate your dish from great to unforgettable. These small adjustments make a big difference in flavor and texture, especially for a fantastic creamy chicken pasta crock pot.
- Don’t Cook the Pasta in the Slow Cooker: For the best texture, always cook your pasta separately on the stovetop. Adding uncooked pasta directly to the slow cooker often results in a gummy, starchy sauce and mushy noodles. To answer the common question, can you cook pasta in a slow cooker for this recipe? We advise against it for optimal results.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: While convenient, pre-shredded cheese is often coated in anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly and make your sauce slightly gritty. For the smoothest, meltiest, and truly cheesy sauce, buy a block of cheddar and shred it yourself.
- Check for Doneness: The most reliable way to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is safely cooked and ready to shred when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust Sauce Thickness: If your sauce seems too thick after adding the cheese and pasta, you can easily stir in a splash of milk or some reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. This ensures every piece of your crockpot chicken with pasta is coated beautifully.
Delicious Variations and Add-Ins
While this Slow Cooker Chicken Penne Pasta recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also a wonderfully versatile canvas for customization. Feel free to get creative and make it your own! These additions can turn it into an even more exciting weeknight slow cooker meal.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in a cup of frozen peas or steamed broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color. Sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach (stirred in just before serving) are also great additions.
- Spice it Up: For those who love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce with the ranch seasoning.
- Change the Cheese: Swap the cheddar for a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for a classic Italian twist, or try a spicy pepper jack for more heat and a different flavor profile. This can even lean towards a crockpot chicken alfredo penne if you adjust the base sauce slightly.
- Add Bacon: Top the finished dish with crumbled, crispy bacon for a salty, smoky crunch that pairs incredibly well with the creamy sauce.
- Make it a Slow Cooker Pasta Bake: For a crispy topping, transfer the finished pasta to an oven-safe dish, top with extra shredded cheese (and maybe some breadcrumbs), and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
What to Serve with Your Slow Cooker Chicken Penne Pasta
This Slow Cooker Chicken Penne Pasta is a hearty, all-in-one meal on its own, easily qualifying as a complete comfort food recipe. However, if you want to round out your dinner, here are a few simple serving suggestions that complement its rich flavors beautifully:
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing! Perfect for sopping up every last bit of that creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Simple Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Steamed or Roasted Veggies: Simple steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or broccoli florets are excellent, healthy sides that add color and nutrients.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Chicken Penne Pasta is how well it makes for fantastic leftovers. Planning ahead for weeknight slow cooker meals just got easier! Here’s how to store and enjoy it later.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover creamy chicken pasta crock pot in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it cools completely before sealing.
- Reheating: The best way to reheat this pasta is on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out as it warms up, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in 60-second intervals, stirring in between, again adding a bit of liquid if needed.
- Freezing: Due to the dairy-based sauce (especially with sour cream), freezing is generally not highly recommended for this dish. The sauce can sometimes separate and become grainy upon thawing and reheating. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Slow Cooker Chicken Penne Pasta
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Slow Cooker Chicken Penne Pasta?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would be delicious in this crockpot chicken with pasta. They contain more fat, which will add extra flavor and moisture to the dish, making the chicken even more tender. The cooking time should remain roughly the same, but always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup in this recipe?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup or prefer a homemade version for your chicken penne pasta with cream of chicken soup, you can make a simple substitute: Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and cook for 1 minute. Then, slowly whisk in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1/2 cup of milk until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.
Can I use a different type of pasta for this slow cooker chicken pasta?
Yes! Any short, sturdy pasta shape will work well for this slow cooker chicken pasta recipe. Great alternatives to penne include rotini, rigatoni, ziti, farfalle (bowties), or even elbow macaroni. Just ensure you cook it separately to al dente according to package directions.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked in the slow cooker?
The most reliable way is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Visually, the chicken should be opaque throughout, and the juices should run clear. It will also be very tender and easy to shred with two forks.
Is this Slow Cooker Chicken Penne Pasta recipe gluten-free?
As written, this Slow Cooker Chicken Penne Pasta recipe is not gluten-free due to the pasta and potentially the cream of chicken soup and ranch seasoning. To make it gluten-free, use a certified gluten-free cream of chicken soup, ensure your ranch seasoning is gluten-free, and serve it with your favorite gluten-free penne or other short pasta.
Recipe Card
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