Print

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Penne

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Penne
Print Recipe

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Penne is a creamy, flavorful, and effortless dish combining tender shredded chicken, rich cheeses, smoky bacon, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. Cooked low and slow in a crockpot, this comfort food is ideal for family dinners or gatherings, delivering bold flavors and a satisfying, melt-in-your-mouth texture with minimal hands-on time.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Protein

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup bacon bits

Pasta

  • 3 cups cooked penne pasta (al dente)

Dairy & Cheese

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Seasonings & Broth

  • 1 packet ranch dressing mix (1 oz)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the skinless, boneless chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker to ensure even cooking and to keep the meat moist throughout the slow-cooking process.
  2. Add the Flavorful Ingredients: Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly over the chicken. Then, add the bacon bits on top. Pour the chicken broth over everything to prevent drying and to add savory richness.
  3. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  4. Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them thoroughly using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in the cream cheese and cheddar cheese until the cheeses are fully melted and the mixture is smooth and combined.
  5. Mix in the Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the cheesy chicken mixture. Gently stir to combine and let it warm for a few minutes so the pasta can soak up the flavorful sauce.

Notes

  • Always cook penne pasta before adding it to the slow cooker to avoid mushy noodles.
  • Shred the chicken well for even distribution of flavor and creamy texture.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest, richest sauce.
  • Adjust salt, pepper, or ranch seasoning after cooking for balanced flavor.
  • Add fresh herbs like parsley just before serving for a bright, fresh finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, crack chicken penne, creamy chicken pasta, crockpot recipes, easy family dinner, cheesy chicken pasta

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