One of my hubby's faves! He always goes for round 2 and sometimes 3!

As a busy professional who loves to cook, I’m always on the hunt for recipes that are both delicious and efficient. This Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne is a gem I discovered when I needed something comforting yet easy to prepare. It combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and hearty pasta for a meal that’s sure to satisfy the whole family. Perfect for those hectic weeknights when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, which adds a crisp contrast to the creamy pasta. Garlic bread is also a great addition, perfect for soaking up any extra cheesy sauce. If you’re looking to add more vegetables to the meal, steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts make excellent sides.

Servings: 6

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 cups chicken broth
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 lb penne pasta, cooked and drained
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

2. Pour the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup over the seasoned chicken. Add the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.

3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.

5. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.

6. Add the cooked penne pasta to the slow cooker and stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy chicken mixture.

7. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

For a bit of spice, try using pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. You can also add a cup of frozen peas or spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking for some extra veggies. If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in half a cup of sour cream or heavy cream just before serving. This recipe is quite versatile, so feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.