Name: Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne (Creamy, Family-Favorite Pasta)
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed; 12 oz penne pasta; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon salt; Optional garnish: chopped parsley or grated parmesan

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
12 oz penne pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt

Optional garnish: chopped parsley or grated parmesan

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Lightly spray the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Seasoning

Place the cubed chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and heavy cream until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken and stir gently.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 5: Add Pasta and Cheese

Add uncooked penne pasta to the slow cooker, stirring to submerge it in the sauce. Cover and cook on HIGH for 25–30 minutes, stirring once halfway, until pasta is tender. Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted and creamy.

Notes

Stir gently after adding pasta to prevent sticking.
Sauce thickens as it cools—rest briefly before serving.
Chicken thighs provide extra richness, but breasts work well.

Avoid overcooking pasta to prevent mushy texture.