If you’re searching for a new family favorite, this Crock Pot Cheesy Chicken Penne is a delicious, comforting casserole everyone will enjoy. It’s rich, cheesy, and simple to prepare with a little upfront work that pays off when dinner is ready.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Penne in a Casserole Crock Pot
Aunt Lou here. I love a good pasta dish, and this Crock Pot Cheesy Chicken Penne delivers a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal with minimal fuss. It takes a bit of prep—mainly cooking the pasta and melting the cheese—but once it’s assembled in the crock pot you can walk away and let it finish. The result is creamy, cheesy pasta studded with tender chicken and a golden breadcrumb topping.
Oven Version
If you prefer baking, there is also an oven-baked version of this Cheesy Chicken Penne. Both methods yield delicious results; choose the one that fits your schedule and equipment. The oven version will create a slightly different texture with a crispier top, while the crock pot keeps the pasta extra moist and creamy.
Recipe Notes
- This recipe was adapted from a beloved casserole collection and remains simple and satisfying.
- I used Cheddar in place of American cheese called for in some traditional versions — both work well, so feel free to use your preferred melting cheese.
- I used a 3.5-quart casserole crock pot designed for spreading the ingredients evenly. If your slow cooker is a more standard shape, a 5–6 quart model is recommended to ensure even cooking.
- Nutrition values and carb counts will vary based on the exact products you choose. Any automatic nutrition calculation should be considered an estimate and not relied upon for specific dietary needs.
- Slow cookers vary greatly, so use the listed times as a guideline. Test the recipe in your cooker and adjust time as needed.
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Crock Pot Cheesy Chicken Penne
Ingredients
- 16 oz package penne pasta, cooked al dente and drained
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups grilled chicken, cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
Instructions
- Bring the milk and half-and-half to a gentle boil in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the shredded mozzarella gradually until it melts into a smooth sauce.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne, the cheese sauce, cubed chicken, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Spray the inside of your crock pot with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared crock pot and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the Cheddar cheese and bread crumbs evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours, or on high for 2–3 hours, until heated through and bubbly. Check toward the end of cooking to ensure the sauce thickness and pasta texture are to your liking.
Video
Notes
- This dish calls for simple ingredients and is flexible — swap cheeses or use leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- For a crisper top, you can transfer the finished casserole to a baking dish, sprinkle additional cheese and breadcrumbs, and broil for a few minutes until golden. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- If your slow cooker runs hot, check at the lower end of the suggested cooking time to avoid overcooking the pasta.
- For a lighter version, substitute reduced-fat dairy and cut back slightly on the cheese, though the texture will change.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 20 g |
Protein: 21 g |
Fat: 18 g |
Saturated Fat: 10 g |
Cholesterol: 71 mg |
Sodium: 542 mg |
Potassium: 220 mg |
Fiber: 1 g |
Sugar: 3 g
Looking for More Casserole Crock Recipes?
If you enjoy using a casserole-style crock pot, there are many recipes that adapt well to that style of slow cooker. This method works for cheesy pasta bakes, layered casseroles, and dishes that benefit from even heating across a wide surface. Try variations like sausage and cheese penne, pizza-inspired penne with pepperoni, or an oven-baked Cheesy Chicken Penne for a different finish. With a few swaps in protein, cheese, or seasonings, this basic formula can become a weeknight staple or a hearty potluck contribution.