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Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Penne

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Penne

  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free penne and broth)

Description

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Penne is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy one-pot meal combining tender chicken breasts, smoky bacon, rich cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. Easy to prepare with a slow cooker doing the hard work, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, offering a luscious sauce and bold flavors everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Meat

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • 6 slices of bacon

Dairy and Cheese

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Pasta and Grains

  • 12 oz penne pasta, cooked

Seasonings and Broth

  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: Place the skinless, boneless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Cook the bacon separately in a skillet until crispy, then crumble into pieces for later use.
  2. Mix the Creamy Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually add chicken broth while stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  3. Layer the Ingredients: Pour the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Sprinkle half of the crumbled bacon on top, reserving the remainder for garnish.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Avoid lifting the lid frequently to retain moisture.
  5. Shred Chicken and Add Penne: Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker. Add the cooked penne pasta and stir well to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce.
  6. Finish with Bacon and Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon and an additional handful of shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta. Cover and cook for a few more minutes until the cheese melts and the flavors combine beautifully.

Notes

  • Use freshly cooked penne pasta for better sauce absorption and texture.
  • Ranch seasoning mix is essential for the signature tangy and herby flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of chicken broth to achieve desired sauce thickness.
  • Sauté garlic and onions before adding to the slow cooker for deeper flavor, if desired.
  • Ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate pasta addition without overflowing.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, crack chicken, cheesy chicken pasta, slow cooker dinner, easy chicken recipe, creamy chicken pasta

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