Dump dry elbow macaroni beside raw chicken breasts, together with 3 ingredients, into slow cooker for a nostalgic feast that’s my default when I don’t

July 3, 2026 - By Olivia Food

Some dinners don’t need complicated ingredients or fancy cooking techniques to become family favorites. In fact, many of the meals we remember most fondly are the simplest ones—warm, creamy casseroles that filled the kitchen with comforting aromas while everyone gathered around the dinner table. They are the recipes that remind us of childhood, busy weeknights, Sunday family meals, church potlucks, and handwritten recipe cards tucked inside old cookbooks.

This Slow Cooker Chicken and Elbow Macaroni Casserole is one of those wonderfully comforting meals. Everything begins with a few humble pantry staples placed directly into the slow cooker. Dry elbow macaroni cooks slowly alongside tender chicken breasts in a rich, creamy sauce, soaking up every bit of flavor as the hours pass. By dinnertime, the chicken becomes fork-tender, the pasta is perfectly cooked, and the entire dish transforms into a creamy, cheesy casserole that tastes like it took far more effort than it actually did.

One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is how little preparation it requires. There is no need to boil the pasta separately, prepare multiple pans, or spend the evening stirring over the stove. Simply layer the ingredients into the slow cooker, turn it on, and let gentle heat do nearly all the work.

Whether you’re preparing dinner for a busy weekday, feeding a hungry family after work and school, or simply looking for a dependable comfort-food recipe that everyone will happily eat, this slow cooker casserole is the kind of meal you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy dump-and-go preparation.
Minimal hands-on cooking.
Rich, creamy comfort food.
Family-friendly flavors.
Perfect for busy schedules.
Great for leftovers.
Budget-friendly ingredients.
Freezer-friendly.
Easily customized with vegetables or different cheeses.
Wonderful for meal prep.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours
Finishing Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 4½–6½ hours
Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups dry elbow macaroni
2 cans (10½ ounces each) condensed cream of chicken soup

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Optional Seasonings

Although the recipe is delicious with only a few ingredients, you may also add:

Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Smoked paprika
Italian seasoning
Dried parsley
Worcestershire sauce

Optional Add-Ins

Many families enjoy adding:

Frozen peas
Broccoli florets
Corn
Mushrooms
Diced carrots
Spinach
Cooked bacon
Diced onions
Bell peppers

Equipment Needed

6-quart slow cooker
Mixing spoon
Measuring cups
Two forks for shredding chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter.

This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Add the Chicken

Place the raw chicken breasts into the bottom of the slow cooker.

Keeping them at the bottom allows them to cook gently in the flavorful sauce.

Step 3: Add the Pasta

Pour the dry elbow macaroni around and over the chicken.

There is no need to cook the pasta beforehand.

It will slowly absorb the liquid as it cooks.

Step 4: Add the Remaining Ingredients

Pour the cream of chicken soup over the pasta.

Add the chicken broth.

Sprinkle in half of the shredded cheese.

If using seasonings, add them now.

Gently stir the pasta without disturbing the chicken too much.

Step 5: Cook

Cover with the lid.

Cook:

LOW: 5–6 hours

HIGH: 3–4 hours

Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker.

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Shred the Chicken

Remove the cooked chicken.

Using two forks, shred it into bite-sized pieces.

Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.

Stir well.

Step 7: Add the Remaining Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar over the casserole.

Cover again for about 10–15 minutes until completely melted.

Flavor Profile

This comforting casserole is:

Rich
Creamy
Mild
Cheesy
Hearty
Cozy
Filling
Perfectly nostalgic

Tips for Success

Stir Occasionally If Possible

If you’re home, gently stirring once during cooking helps the pasta cook evenly.

Watch the Pasta

Different pasta brands absorb liquid differently.

If needed, add a little extra broth near the end.

Shred the Chicken While Warm

Warm chicken shreds much more easily.

Use Freshly Shredded Cheese

Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than packaged shredded cheese.

Delicious Variations

Buffalo Chicken Version

Add buffalo sauce and top with Monterey Jack cheese.

Ranch Chicken

Mix in ranch seasoning.

Bacon Cheddar

Add cooked crumbled bacon.

Broccoli Chicken

Stir in steamed broccoli near the end of cooking.

Mexican Style

Use pepper jack cheese and diced green chilies.

Mushroom Lover’s Version

Add sliced mushrooms during cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside:

Green salad
Garlic bread
Dinner rolls
Roasted vegetables
Steamed broccoli
Green beans
Coleslaw
Fresh fruit

Storage

Allow leftovers to cool.

Store in airtight containers.

Refrigerate for 3–4 days.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well.

Freeze individual portions or the entire casserole for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Microwave

Heat individual servings for 2–3 minutes.

Oven

Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot.

Add a splash of milk or broth if the pasta has absorbed additional liquid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs?

Absolutely.

Boneless chicken thighs remain especially tender in the slow cooker.

Can I substitute another soup?

Yes.

Cream of mushroom, cream of celery, cheddar cheese soup, or cream of onion soup all work beautifully.

Can I use another pasta?

Certainly.

Small shells, rotini, cavatappi, or penne are excellent alternatives.

Cooking times may vary slightly.

Can I prepare it ahead?