Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne
Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne is the quintessential comfort food that combines creamy cheeses, hearty marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta into a mouthwatering dish. This hassle-free recipe requires minimal prep time and delivers maximum flavor, making it the ideal meal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Customize it to suit your taste by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins for a delicious dinner that satisfies everyone’s cravings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix marinara sauce and softened cream cheese until smooth.
- In the slow cooker, combine cooked penne with the sauce mixture and half of the mozzarella cheese; stir gently.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and sprinkle with Parmesan.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 hours.
- Stir before serving, and enjoy with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: - For additional flavor, brown your choice of protein (like chicken or sausage) in the slow cooker before adding other ingredients.- Substitute different pasta shapes or cheeses based on your preference.- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.