This Crock Pot Cheesy Chicken Penne is a delicious and easy slow cooker meal perfect for busy families. With tender chicken breasts, creamy cream of chicken soup, and loads of cheddar cheese, this comforting casserole is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Made with simple ingredients like chicken broth, sour cream, and penne pasta, it’s a quick and effortless dinner that’s ideal for busy weeknights. The recipe comes together in the crock pot, allowing you to enjoy a creamy, cheesy meal without the hassle. This cheesy chicken pasta dish is also perfect for meal prep, making it a great choice for family dinner recipes, crock pot meals, and easy comfort food.

Ingredients:

3 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
2 (10.5 oz) Cans Cream of Chicken Soup
½ cup Chicken Broth
1 tsp Pepper
½ tsp Dried Thyme
1 ½ cups Sliced Mushrooms
½ Onion (diced)
Add at the End:
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (divided)
- 1 lb Penne Pasta (cooked)

Instructions:

Prepare the Crock Pot: Place the chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, pepper, thyme, mushrooms, and diced onions into the crock pot.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks.
Add Sour Cream and Pasta: Stir in the sour cream, cooked penne pasta, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, cover, and let it melt.
Serve: Once the cheese is melted and everything is well combined, serve your cheesy chicken penne and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crock Pot Cheesy Chicken Penne is the ultimate comfort food! It’s easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort and a short list of ingredients. The chicken is cooked to perfection, making it tender and juicy, while the creamy, cheesy sauce is rich and satisfying. With the addition of mushrooms and onions, this dish is full of flavor and texture. It’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week!

Tips

Use Boneless Chicken Thighs: For even juicier chicken, you can swap the boneless skinless breasts for chicken thighs.
Don’t Skip the Shredding: Be sure to shred the chicken once it’s cooked to create a more rustic, hearty texture throughout the dish.
Add More Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add extra shredded cheddar to make this even cheesier!

Variations and Substitutions

Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for cubed tofu or cooked lentils for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Pasta Type: If you don’t have penne, you can use any other pasta shape like rigatoni or fusilli.
Dairy-Free: To make this dish dairy-free, use dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternatives.
Add Vegetables: For extra flavor and nutrition, try adding other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini.

FAQs

Can I cook this on high in the crock pot? Yes, you can cook this on high for about 3-4 hours. However, cooking on low results in more tender chicken and better flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point where you add the pasta and cheese. Store it in the fridge, then add the pasta, sour cream, and cheese when ready to serve.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Serving

This Crock Pot Cheesy Chicken Penne is a one-pot meal that doesn’t require much on the side, but it pairs beautifully with a green salad or roasted vegetables for a more balanced meal. You can also serve it with garlic bread or a side of steamed broccoli.

Suggestions

Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prepping! Store leftovers in individual portions for a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Toppings: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of color and extra flavor.