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–+ servings

Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne

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A comforting, minimal-effort dish featuring tender chicken in a rich, cheesy sauce, combined with cooked penne pasta. Perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts Thighs work too — they stay moister.
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth Or water + bouillon.
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 cup sour cream Full-fat gives the best texture.
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided Sharp cheddar adds more flavor.
  • 1 pound cooked and drained penne pasta

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth until smooth.
  3. Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and scatter the diced onion on top.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
Cooking the Pasta
  1. While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne to al dente. Drain and set aside.
Final Assembly
  1. Remove the chicken and shred with two forks directly in a mixing bowl or in the slow cooker.
  2. Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce, then add the sour cream and half (1 cup) of the shredded cheddar. Mix until creamy and combined.
  3. Fold in the cooked, drained penne until evenly coated.
  4. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar over the top, replace the lid for 2–5 minutes to let the cheese melt, then serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 35gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 13gSodium: 850mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. You can also freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
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