Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Penne
Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Penne is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy dinner featuring tender chicken, melty cheddar cheese, smoky bacon, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. This effortless slow cooker recipe offers rich flavors with minimal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals. The luscious sauce and juicy chicken combine to create a warm, satisfying dish everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (low) or 2 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten free penne pasta)
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Dairy & Cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, cut into chunks
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup bacon bits or 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 12 oz penne pasta, cooked separately according to package instructions
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Lightly season with garlic powder and sprinkle ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken to infuse flavorful layers.
- Add Cream Cheese and Broth: Cut the cream cheese into chunks and scatter around the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth to keep the mixture moist and create the base for the creamy sauce.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easy to shred with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken and Mix Cheeses: Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Add shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits, stirring until the cheese melts completely into a creamy sauce.
- Cook and Combine the Penne: While the chicken mixture finishes, cook the penne pasta separately according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and fold the pasta into the slow cooker just before serving, coating it thoroughly with the cheesy sauce.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother melting and to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Cook penne separately to prevent it from becoming mushy in the slow cooker.
- Shred chicken carefully using two forks for tender, uniform pieces that soak up the sauce better.
- Substitute bacon with crispy pancetta or turkey bacon if preferred.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional ranch seasoning before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: Thirty-five g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Slow Cooker, Crack Chicken, Penne Pasta, Creamy Chicken, Cheesy Dinner, Easy Dinner, Family Friendly
Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/slow-cooker-crack-chicken-penne/
