Print

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Penne

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Penne
Print Recipe

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, comforting, and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, cheesy sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, this slow cooker recipe requires minimal prep and delivers a rich, velvety meal the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 6–8 slices crispy bacon, chopped

Pasta

  • 12 ounces penne pasta

Dairy

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed (full-fat preferred)
  • ½ cup sour cream (full-fat preferred)
  • 1 to 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Liquids & Seasonings

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Season them evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, and ranch seasoning to infuse flavor during cooking.
  2. Add Creamy Ingredients: Place cream cheese cubes and dollops of sour cream over the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth. These ingredients will melt and blend into a creamy sauce as the chicken cooks.
  3. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
  4. Shred Chicken and Add Cheese: Remove the cooked chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits. Allow the cheese to fully melt into the sauce.
  5. Cook the Penne Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta in boiling water until al dente, then drain well. Add the drained pasta to the slow cooker, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy chicken mixture.
  6. Final Stir and Serve: Mix everything thoroughly and warm through for a few minutes if needed. Serve garnished with fresh chopped parsley or chives and enjoy your comforting meal.

Notes

  • Use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream for the creamiest sauce and best texture.
  • Cook penne pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness when combined with the sauce.
  • Pre-crisp and drain bacon before adding it to maintain crunchiness and flavor.
  • Season the chicken well before cooking to build a deep savory base.
  • If the sauce is too thick before adding pasta, adjust thickness by adding a splash of chicken broth or milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, crack chicken, penne pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, cheesy chicken pasta, family-friendly recipe

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/slow-cooker-crack-chicken-penne/