Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne

Introduction

Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. This dish is made effortlessly in a slow cooker, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and the flavors meld together beautifully. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a warm and cheesy dinner without a lot of hands-on time. The best part? This recipe is easy to customize, and it’s made without any pork, bacon, wine, or alcohol, making it Halal-friendly for everyone to enjoy.

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Meal prepping for the week
• Comfort food cravings
• Busy weeknights
• Halal-friendly gatherings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne will become a family favorite:

• Effortless Cooking: This recipe is made entirely in the slow cooker, so you can set it and forget it. No need for constant stirring or checking—just let the slow cooker do all the hard work.
• Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a rich and indulgent sauce that coats every piece of chicken and pasta perfectly.
• Tender Chicken: Slow cooking the chicken results in incredibly tender, juicy chicken that practically falls apart with a fork.
• Customizable: You can add extra vegetables, swap the type of pasta, or even use different cheeses to make this dish your own.
• Halal-Friendly: This recipe is made without any non-Halal ingredients like pork or alcohol, making it suitable for those following Halal dietary guidelines.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 4-5 hours (depending on slow cooker settings)
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the delicious Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more flavor)
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes (make sure it’s Halal-certified)
• 1 cup chicken broth (Halal-certified)
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 lb penne pasta (Halal-certified)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs serve as the protein base for this dish, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the slow cooker. Chicken thighs will give a more flavorful result due to their higher fat content.
• Cheese: The combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese creates a perfectly creamy, cheesy sauce that envelops the chicken and pasta.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Adding crushed tomatoes to the slow cooker gives a slight acidity and balances the richness of the cheese.
• Herbs: A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, basil, and oregano adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne:

Prepare the Slow Cooker:

1. Layer the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of the slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, and oregano.
2. Add the Tomatoes: Pour the crushed tomatoes over the chicken. Stir to combine slightly, ensuring the chicken is coated with the tomato sauce.
3. Add the Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the tomatoes and chicken, adding extra moisture to the slow cooker. The broth will keep the chicken tender and juicy during cooking.

Add the Cheese:

4. Add the Cream Cheese: Cube the cream cheese and place it on top of the chicken and tomato mixture. This will melt into the sauce, giving it a creamy texture.
5. Add the Parmesan and Mozzarella: Sprinkle half of the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the top of the chicken mixture. The rest will be added later once the pasta is ready.

Cook the Chicken:

6. Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook for 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low. The chicken should be fully cooked, tender, and easy to shred with a fork.

Cook the Pasta:

7. Prepare the Penne: About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to salt the water for added flavor. Drain the pasta once it’s cooked.

Shred the Chicken:

8. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce to combine it well with the tomatoes and melted cream cheese.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

9. Add the Pasta: Add the drained penne pasta to the slow cooker, stirring it into the creamy chicken mixture. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top and stir until the cheese melts into the dish.

Finish Cooking:

10. Cover and Let It Rest: Allow the pasta and chicken mixture to cook for another 10-15 minutes on low heat to let the flavors meld together and the cheese to melt completely.

Serve:

11. Garnish and Serve: Once everything is well combined and the cheese is melted, garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve the Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne with a side salad or garlic bread for a full meal.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne

Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways:

• With Garlic Bread: Serve a warm, crispy garlic bread on the side to soak up all the cheesy sauce.
• With a Fresh Salad: A light, refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes a great contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.
• As a Standalone Meal: This dish is hearty and filling on its own, making it perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
• For Meal Prep: This dish stores and reheats well, making it ideal for meal prepping for the week.

Additional Tips for Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne

Here are some tips to make your Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne even better:

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Ensure you don’t overcook the chicken, as it can dry out. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), it’s ready to be shredded.
• Use High-Quality Cheese: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh mozzarella and a good-quality Parmesan cheese.
• Adjust the Pasta: You can use different types of pasta, such as rigatoni or farfalle, if you prefer. Just make sure to cook the pasta separately and add it to the slow cooker at the end.
• Customize the Flavor: Add more spices if you like heat—crushed red pepper flakes or a bit of chili powder will give the dish a kick.

Recipe Variations of Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne

Here are some delicious variations of this recipe that you can try:

• Vegetable-Packed Cheesy Chicken Penne: Add chopped vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the slow cooker to increase the nutritional value and flavor.
• Buffalo Chicken Penne: Stir in some buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy twist on this cheesy dish.
• Chicken Alfredo Penne: Swap the tomato-based sauce for a rich Alfredo sauce made with cream, butter, and Parmesan for a creamy, indulgent version.
• Mushroom Cheesy Chicken Penne: Sauté mushrooms before adding them to the slow cooker for a rich, earthy flavor.
• Pesto Chicken Penne: Stir in some basil pesto for an herby, flavorful variation.
• Bacon and Cheesy Chicken Penne: If you’re not avoiding bacon, adding crispy bacon bits would give a savory, smoky flavor to the dish.

Freezing and Storage for Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne

• Freezing: You can freeze the Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra cheese or cream to restore the creamy texture.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Special Equipment for Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne

Here are a few kitchen tools that will make preparing Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne easier:

• Slow Cooker: A 6-7 quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe. It allows plenty of space for the chicken, pasta, and sauce to cook evenly.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the chicken, herbs, and vegetables if you’re adding them.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Use a wooden spoon to stir the ingredients in the slow cooker and to shred the chicken.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the correct balance of ingredients, particularly when adding spices or cheese.
• Tongs or Forks: Use tongs or two forks to shred the chicken once it’s cooked and tender.
• Serving Spoon: A large spoon is helpful when dishing out the cheesy chicken penne.

FAQ Section about Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
   Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it on the low setting for 6-7 hours instead of 4 hours on high.
2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   Yes, you can replace the chicken with plant-based protein or tofu for a vegetarian version. You can also increase the amount of vegetables for a veggie-packed dish.
3. Can I use other types of pasta?
   Absolutely! You can use different pasta shapes such as rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle in place of penne.
4. How can I make this dish spicier?
   To add spice, consider stirring in crushed red pepper flakes or a few teaspoons of hot sauce to the sauce mixture before cooking.
5. Can I use heavy cream instead of cream cheese?
   Yes, you can use heavy cream instead of cream cheese for a different creamy texture, but the flavor will be slightly different.

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Conclusion

Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne is a deliciously creamy, comforting dish that is sure to satisfy everyone in your family. With juicy chicken, rich cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a meal that’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a busy weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is easy to make, customizable, and utterly irresistible. And with the Halal-friendly ingredients, it’s a recipe that everyone can enjoy.