Having a hard time coming up with what to make for dinner this week? We've got you covered with this Slow Cooker Penne recipe! It's as appealing as it looks, with sun-dried tomatoes, alfredo sauce, and of course, penne. Make this easy crockpot penne once, and your family will ask for it again and again.
What's hearty, comforting, and cooks to perfection while you carry on with your day? You guessed it - Slow Cooker Penne!
Today, we are embracing the slow, easy magic of the crockpot. No need for constant stirring or watching the pot; this recipe takes very little hands-on time!
Slow Cooker Penne is your ticket to a fuss-free dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste. It's a meal that the entire family will relish, making weeknight dinners feel like a special occasion.
Looking for more slow cooker meal inspiration? Don't miss my Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas, Slow Cooker Chicken Aflredo, Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Sliders, and Slow Cooker French Dips.
Ingredients
- Chicken Broth: This is a flavorful base for our pasta sauce. Homemade or store bought will work just fine.
- Alfredo Sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade.
- Sun Dried Tomatoes: Use dried sun dried tomatoes, or drained oil packed tomatoes.
- Boneless Chicken: You could use boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs; I typically use chicken breasts.
- Garlic: If you don't have fresh garlic, a teaspoon of garlic powder will give you a nice punch of flavor.
- Sea Salt: A dash of sea salt enhances all the other flavors in the dish. Feel free to adjust to your taste.
- Fresh Ground Pepper: A classic seasoning that offers a bit of heat and depth of flavor.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like spice in their pasta. If you're not a fan of heat, you can leave this out.
- Penne: Use regular or gluten free penne.
- Baby Spinach: Kale could be a great substitute too!
- Parmesan Cheese: Feel free to substitute another cheese if you prefer.
Step by Step
- Line your slow cooker with an aluminum foil collar. (This is optional and strickly for easy clean-up.)
- Combine ½ cup chicken broth, ½ cup Alfredo sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in the prepared slow cooker. Set it to high and let it do its cook for 2 ½ hours.
- Add the pasta and pour in the remaining 1 cup of broth and Alfredo sauce, then let it cook for another 30 minutes.
- Afterwards, add the spinach and cook until wilted. It should take 5 minutes. Sprinkle with parmesan and serve.
Slow Cooker Penne with Chicken, Spinach & Sun Dried Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth divided
- 15 ounces Alfredo Sauce divided
- 1 cup sun dried tomatoes
- 16 ounces boneless chicken
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 8 ounces penne gluten free if necessary
- 4 ounces baby spinach
- 2 ounces Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- In a slow cooker combine 1 ½ cups chicken broth, ½ cup Alfredo sauce, sun dried tomatoes, chicken, garlic, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Cooking on high for 2 hours.
- Remove the chicken and shred. Return to the slow cooker.
- Add pasta, remaining 1 cup of broth and Alfredo Sauce and cook for an additional 30 minutes. Add spinach and cook until wilts, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve.
Cheryl Rhodes (Starshine0309)
Hi Wendy,
Thank you for all your awesome receipes! I wanted to see if you could make this slow cooker receipe with something else other than the Alfredo sauce? Not a fan but would like something a bit healthier and lighter. Any suggestions?
Thank you!
Cheryl Rhodes
Arizona
Wendy Polisi
Hi Cheryl - Check out today's post - I used a quinoa cream in a mock alfredo-type sauce and I won't be going back. We didn't miss the cream AT ALL.
https://wendypolisi.com/skinny-chicken-spinach-sun-dried-tomato-casserole-with-quinoa-cream/
Stacy Pitaluga
This sounds yummy, I love pasta too! What is the foil collar for and can I sub parchment paper or something else?
Wendy Polisi
You can just spray your cooker well. It is just to help lift it out to prevent sticking. I actually used to use them but I bought a new cooker that doesn't stick like my old one did so I typically just spray and go now.