A rich and comforting slow cooker pasta dish featuring tender shredded chicken, a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, penne pasta, and fresh spinach. Minimal prep, maximum flavor!
Servings & Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes or 3 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Dietary Tags: Family-Friendly, Slow Cooker, High-Protein
📝 Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 packet Italian dressing seasoning mix
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
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1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cubed
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup heavy cream
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8 oz penne pasta
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1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, for garnish
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
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Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
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Sprinkle with Italian dressing seasoning.
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Pour chicken broth and cream of chicken soup over the chicken.
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Add the cubed cream cheese on top.
Step 2: Slow Cook
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Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and shreds easily.
Step 3: Shred & Make Sauce
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Shred chicken directly in the slow cooker.
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Stir in grated Parmesan and heavy cream until the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Cook Pasta
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Meanwhile, cook penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Combine & Finish
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Stir cooked pasta and chopped spinach into the slow cooker.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Let sit for 10–15 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt and flavors to blend.
Step 6: Serve
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Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
💡 Notes & Tips
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Pasta tip: Slightly undercook pasta before adding it to avoid over-softening.
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Lighten up: Use reduced-fat cream cheese, light cream, and whole wheat pasta to reduce W-W points.
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Extra veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for added flavor and nutrients.
📸 Step-by-Step Guide
(Suggested photos: layering chicken in slow cooker → shredding chicken → stirring in cream and Parmesan → adding pasta and spinach → plated dish with parsley)
Pro Tip: For best texture, add spinach just before serving so it stays bright and tender.
🥄 Ingredient Insights & Swaps
Why these ingredients?
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Chicken & broth: Create a juicy, flavorful base.
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Cream cheese & heavy cream: Add richness and creaminess.
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Parmesan: Provides salty, nutty umami flavor.
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Penne & spinach: Complete the meal with carbs and greens.
Substitutions:
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Use light cream or fat-free half-and-half to reduce calories.
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Swap penne for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed.
🎨 Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas
Flavor Add-Ins:
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Crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
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Fresh basil or oregano for added herbiness.
Serving Suggestions:
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Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
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Top with extra Parmesan if desired (adds points).
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
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Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Freeze in individual portions without the pasta. Add fresh pasta when reheating.
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Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
🔎 Nutrition & W-W Points (per serving estimate)**
Calories: ~620 kcal | Protein: ~40g | Carbs: ~32g | Fat: ~35g
W-W Points (per serving using full-fat cream cheese, heavy cream, and regular pasta):
➡️ 14 Points
Lightened version (using reduced-fat cream cheese, light cream, and whole wheat pasta):
➡️ 9 Points
W-W Points can vary depending on brands, cream, and cheese used. For best accuracy, enter your specific ingredients into the W-W app.
Allergens: Milk, Wheat (pasta)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this with chicken thighs?
A: Yes—boneless, skinless thighs work well and may be slightly more moist, but will slightly increase W-W points.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: For a dairy-free version, use a non-dairy cream cheese, skip the Parmesan, and use a creamy plant-based milk (though texture and flavor will vary).
Q: Can I prep this the night before?
A: Yes—layer the chicken, broth, soup, cream cheese, and seasoning in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Start cooking the next day.
📝 The Story Behind the Recipe
This creamy Italian chicken pasta was inspired by a popular slow cooker recipe I used to make before joining W-W. After some tweaks—like reducing the fat and adding fresh spinach—it became a delicious comfort food meal that still fits into my points budget when lightened up!
🗨️ Let’s Chat!
Did you try this Creamy Italian Chicken Penne? Did you lighten it up or keep it classic? Drop a comment or tag me—I’d love to see your version!