Slow Cooker Creamy Mustard Chicken Penne Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add a touch of freshness before serving, consider stirring in a handful of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives. These provide a bright contrast to the rich, creamy sauce and the tang of the mustard.

You can also adjust the seasoning with a little cracked black pepper if desired, though the bouillon often provides enough saltiness for most tastes.

If you find that your sauce is too thick, simply stir in a few tablespoons of warm water or additional chicken stock until you reach your preferred consistency.

This is especially helpful if the dish has been sitting for a few minutes before serving, as the pasta will continue to absorb the sauce as it cools.

Variations

• Mushroom Mustard Chicken: Add one cup of sliced cremini mushrooms during the initial assembly phase. The mushrooms provide an earthy depth that complements the tang of the wholegrain mustard beautifully.
• Spinach and Mustard Chicken: Stir in two cups of fresh baby spinach during the final five minutes of cooking. The heat from the sauce will wilt the spinach, adding a vibrant color and subtle flavor.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

This dish does not freeze well due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate when thawed and reheated.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to restore the sauce's consistency.

Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep the pasta from drying out. Ensure the dish has cooled completely to room temperature, but do not leave it out for more than two hours. Once cooled, place it immediately into the refrigerator to maintain food safety and quality for up to three days.

While this dish is best served immediately, you can prepare the chicken and onion base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to cook, simply place the base into the slow cooker and proceed with the recipe. Avoid adding the pasta and cream until the final cooking stage to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish warm in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce. It pairs beautifully with a simple side of steamed green vegetables or a crisp salad, which helps to balance the richness of the creamy mustard sauce.

The presentation is simple, so a clean white bowl allows the glossy, textured sauce to stand out.

For a more refined presentation, you can garnish individual plates with a tiny dollop of extra mustard or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Ensure the pasta is served immediately after the final cooking stage to maintain the ideal texture, as the sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it sits on the plate.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Creamy Mustard Chicken Penne

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 cube chicken bouillon, crumbled
• 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Place the raw chicken strips into the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter the sliced onions evenly over the chicken. Crumble the chicken bouillon cube over the top of the onions, then add the spoonful of wholegrain mustard.
2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be considered fully cooked.
3. Stir in the dry penne and heavy cream. Continue to cook for an additional 20 minutes until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened into a glossy coating.

Contains: gluten, milk, mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

2.5 g

Sugar

3 g

Sodium

750 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.