Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne

Slow Cooker Delight: Dive into Comfort with Cheesy Chicken Penne Perfection

Embark on a culinary adventure that combines the ease of slow cooking with the comforting embrace of cheesy goodness – Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne. This recipe is not just a convenient solution for busy days; it’s a celebration of flavors as tender chicken and al dente pasta meld with a velvety cheese sauce. Join us as we uncover the secrets to creating a dish that promises to become a family favorite, perfect for both weeknight dinners and cozy gatherings.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

For the Pasta:

  • 1 pound penne pasta, uncooked

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers

Instructions:

Preparing the Chicken:

  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and dried basil.
  2. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker.

Cooking the Chicken:

  1. Cook the chicken in the slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours or until it’s cooked through and easily shreddable.
  2. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the slow cooker.

Cooking the Pasta:

  1. About 30 minutes before serving, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente texture.
  2. Drain the pasta and add it to the slow cooker with the shredded chicken.

Creating the Cheese Sauce:

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until golden.
  2. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, ensuring the mixture is smooth and thickened.
  3. Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and incorporated.
  4. Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Adjust to taste.

Assembling the Dish:

  1. Pour the cheese sauce over the shredded chicken and cooked penne in the slow cooker. Gently stir to coat evenly.
  2. If desired, add optional add-ins like frozen peas, sliced mushrooms, or diced bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
  3. Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Cooking Notes:

  • To enhance the flavor, consider searing the seasoned chicken in a hot skillet before placing it in the slow cooker.
  • Adjust the thickness of the cheese sauce by adding more or less flour, depending on your preference.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends for a unique twist. Smoked Gouda or fontina can add depth to the sauce.

Variations:

Mexican Fiesta: Add a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies, along with a teaspoon of cumin, for a Tex-Mex twist.

Broccoli and Cheddar Love: Toss in steamed broccoli florets and extra shredded cheddar for a classic combo.

Buffalo Chicken Bliss: Mix in buffalo sauce and crumbled blue cheese for a spicy kick.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Cheesy Chicken Zoodles:

  • Replace the penne pasta with zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
  • Use a keto-friendly thickener like xanthan gum in the cheese sauce.
  • Choose a blend of keto-approved cheeses such as sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or cream cheese.

Low-Carb Comfort:

  • Substitute the penne pasta with cauliflower florets or shirataki noodles.
  • Opt for heavy cream instead of milk in the cheese sauce to reduce carb content.
  • Ensure the add-ins are low-carb options, such as spinach or broccoli.

Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne is more than a meal; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that transforms a simple dish into a culinary masterpiece. Whether you follow the classic recipe, venture into tempting variations, or embrace keto and low-carb adaptations, this recipe showcases the versatility of slow-cooked comfort food.

So, set that slow cooker to work, let the enticing aroma fill your kitchen, and anticipate the satisfaction of serving a dish that seamlessly combines convenience with gourmet flavors. Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne is an invitation to savor the joy of creating something delicious and share the warmth of a comforting meal with those you love.