Introduction
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Chicken Penne is a comforting, cheesy pasta dinner that is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Tender chicken is slowly cooked in a rich tomato sauce, shredded, and combined with creamy cheese before being tossed with penne pasta and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan.
It is an excellent option for a cozy family dinner or an easy weekend meal.
Recipe Overview
| Metric | Detail |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Slow Cooker Time | 3–4 hours HIGH or 5–6 hours LOW |
| Pasta Cooking Time | 10–12 minutes |
| Total Time | About 4 hours 30 minutes |
| Yield | 6–8 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 1.5 lb (680 g) | About 3–4 breasts |
| Marinara or crushed tomato sauce | 24 oz (680 g) | 1 jar |
| Chicken broth | 1/2 cup | Low-sodium preferred |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon | Italian seasoning also works |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon | |
| Cream cheese | 4 oz (115 g) | Softened and cubed |
For the Pasta
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Penne pasta | 16 oz (450 g) |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1 1/2 cups |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tablespoons |
| Red pepper flakes | Optional |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a large slow cooker.
Pour the marinara sauce and chicken broth over the chicken.
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Use a spoon to distribute the sauce evenly around the chicken.
Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
Cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or LOW for 5–6 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
The chicken should reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Avoid cooking it significantly longer than necessary, as chicken breast can become dry.
Shred the Chicken
Transfer the cooked chicken to a large plate or bowl.
Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Return the shredded chicken to the tomato sauce in the slow cooker.
Stir well so the chicken becomes coated with the flavorful sauce.
Add the Cream Cheese
Add the softened, cubed cream cheese to the slow cooker.
Stir until the cream cheese is melted and incorporated into the tomato sauce.
For a smoother sauce, allow it to sit in the hot mixture for several minutes before stirring again.
The sauce should become creamy, rich, and slightly lighter in color.
Cook the Penne
While the chicken and sauce are finishing, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the penne according to the package instructions until al dente.
Reserve approximately 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Drain the pasta well.
Combine the Pasta and Chicken
Add the cooked penne to the creamy tomato chicken mixture.
Stir gently until all the pasta is thoroughly coated.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water until you reach your preferred consistency.
Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan over the pasta.
Cover the slow cooker and allow it to sit on LOW or WARM for approximately 5–10 minutes, until the mozzarella has melted.
Alternatively, transfer the pasta to a large oven-safe baking dish, sprinkle with the cheese, and broil for 2–3 minutes until the top is bubbling and lightly golden.
Watch carefully under the broiler.
Garnish and Serve
Remove the lid and sprinkle the finished pasta with freshly chopped parsley.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.
Serve warm with extra Parmesan if desired.
Best Tips
Don’t overcook the chicken: Chicken breast is lean and can dry out when cooked excessively.
Soften the cream cheese: Softened cream cheese blends into the tomato sauce much more easily.
Cook pasta separately: Cooking the penne separately gives you better control over its texture and prevents mushy pasta.
Keep the pasta al dente: The pasta will continue absorbing some sauce after being combined.
Reserve pasta water: A little starchy pasta water can loosen a thick sauce and help everything come together.
Use freshly shredded mozzarella: It melts beautifully and gives the finished dish a smoother texture.
Best Ingredient Options
Chicken
Chicken breasts work well for this recipe, but boneless, skinless chicken thighs can provide an even richer and more tender result.
Pasta
Penne is ideal because its ridges hold onto the creamy tomato sauce.
You can also use rigatoni, ziti, rotini, or shells.
Cheese
Mozzarella provides the stretchy topping, while Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor.
For extra flavor, add a small amount of provolone or Italian cheese blend.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce and finish with additional chili flakes.
Spinach Chicken Penne
Stir 2 cups of fresh baby spinach into the hot sauce just before adding the pasta.
Mushroom Chicken Penne
Sauté sliced mushrooms separately and stir them into the finished pasta.
Broccoli Chicken Penne
Add steamed broccoli florets for extra vegetables and texture.
Extra-Cheesy Chicken Penne
Add additional mozzarella and Parmesan before melting the cheese on top.
What to Serve With This Pasta
Serve this creamy chicken penne with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
Garlic bread or crusty bread is also excellent for scooping up the creamy tomato sauce.
For a lighter side, try steamed broccoli, green beans, or a fresh tomato salad.
Make-Ahead Instructions
The chicken and creamy tomato sauce can be prepared ahead of time.
Cook the chicken and sauce, shred the chicken, and refrigerate the mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Cook the pasta fresh when you are ready to serve for the best texture.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
The pasta may thicken as it sits because it continues absorbing the sauce.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each interval.
Add a splash of chicken broth, milk, or water if the sauce has become too thick.
For larger portions, reheat gently in a covered skillet over low to medium heat.
Freezing
For the best texture, freeze the chicken and creamy tomato sauce separately from the pasta.
The sauce can be frozen in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat gently, and combine with freshly cooked pasta.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Adding uncooked pasta directly to the slow cooker: The pasta can become overly soft and absorb too much liquid.
Adding cold cream cheese: Cold cream cheese takes longer to incorporate smoothly.
Overcooking the chicken: Check for doneness rather than relying only on the maximum cooking time.
Using too little sauce: The pasta needs enough creamy tomato sauce to remain moist.
Adding cheese too early: Add mozzarella near the end so it stays creamy and doesn’t become overcooked.
Nutrition Estimate
Nutrition varies according to the brands of pasta, sauce, cream cheese, chicken, and cheese used.
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount Per Serving |
| Calories | 550–650 kcal |
| Protein | 40–45 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55–65 g |
| Fat | 18–25 g |
| Fiber | 4–6 g |
| Sodium | 800–1,100 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative and tend to remain especially tender.
Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely. Rigatoni, ziti, rotini, shells, and fusilli all work well.
Can I use Alfredo sauce instead of marinara?
You can, although the flavor profile will change significantly. For a creamy tomato version, marinara combined with cream cheese works especially well.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini are excellent additions.
Can I make this without cream cheese?
Yes. You can substitute mascarpone, ricotta, or a small amount of heavy cream, although each will produce a slightly different texture.
Can I make it extra saucy?
Yes. Add an additional 1/2 cup of marinara sauce or a little reserved pasta water when combining the penne.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Chicken Penne combines tender shredded chicken, rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese, perfectly cooked pasta, and a golden layer of melted mozzarella.
The slow cooker does most of the work, while cooking the pasta separately keeps the final dish perfectly textured.
It is a warm, comforting, and family-friendly dinner that’s easy enough for a busy weeknight and satisfying enough for a weekend meal.