Description
Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne is a comforting dish that envelops tender chicken and al dente penne pasta in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. The aroma of melted cheese and savory spices fills the air, while each bite offers a delightful combination of textures from the creamy sauce and the perfectly cooked pasta.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Pasta: 8 oz penne pasta, uncooked
- Cheese Sauce: 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup cream cheese, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup milk
- Vegetables: 1 cup diced bell peppers, 1 cup chopped spinach
- Seasonings: 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In the slow cooker, combine the chicken, bell peppers, spinach, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add the uncooked penne pasta, mixing well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the sauce.
- Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Substitute chicken with turkey or tofu for a different protein option.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cheese and milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high
- Category: main-dish
- Method: slow cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 800 milligrams
- Fat: 20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 30 grams
- Cholesterol: 90 milligrams
Keywords: Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne, creamy chicken pasta, slow cooker recipes, easy dinner ideas, comfort food, cheesy pasta, chicken recipes, one-pot meals, family-friendly recipes, pasta dishes, weeknight dinners, slow cooker meals, cheesy chicken