Crockpot Mozzarella Sausage Alfredo Penne

This Crockpot Mozzarella Sausage Alfredo Penne is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dinner. With just a few simple ingredients—savory Italian sausage, penne, broccoli, and a creamy Alfredo sauce—you can have a hearty, comforting meal on the table with minimal effort.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish delivers all the flavor of a slow-simmered pasta bake without the fuss. Let the slow cooker do the work while you enjoy your evening.

Imagine coming home to the aroma of garlicky Alfredo sauce, savory sausage, and melted cheese wafting from your kitchen. This dump-and-go Crockpot recipe makes that dream a reality. Simply layer the ingredients, set the timer, and walk away.

In a few hours, you'll have a bubbling pot of tender penne, crisp-tender broccoli, and juicy sausage smothered in a velvety cheese sauce.

It's the kind of meal that feels indulgent but requires almost no hands-on time. Whether you're feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a winner.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld together slowly, creating a rich, deeply satisfying sauce. The sausage releases its juices into the Alfredo, infusing every bite with savory goodness. Meanwhile, the cream cheese melts into the sauce, adding a luxurious creaminess that coats the pasta perfectly.

Cooking the pasta directly in the slow cooker means it absorbs the sauce as it cooks, resulting in pasta that's infused with flavor from the inside out. The broccoli steams gently, becoming tender but still retaining a slight bite. This one-pot approach minimizes cleanup and maximizes convenience.

Notes and substitutions

For the best results, use a good-quality jarred Alfredo sauce, preferably one with garlic and parmesan. The cream cheese should be full-fat for the creamiest texture. If you prefer a spicier dish, substitute hot Italian sausage for the sweet variety.

You can use frozen broccoli instead of fresh; just thaw and drain it well to avoid excess water. If you don't have penne, any short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli works.

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Alfredo sauce is gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream cheese, mozzarella, and Alfredo sauce.

• sweet Italian sausage: hot Italian sausage for a spicier kick, or use ground turkey sausage for a leaner option.
• penne pasta: rigatoni, fusilli, or any short pasta shape that holds up well in the slow cooker.
• broccoli florets: frozen broccoli florets (thawed and drained) or cauliflower florets.
• Alfredo sauce: homemade Alfredo sauce (butter, cream, parmesan) or a jarred roasted garlic Alfredo.

Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large spoon for stirring
• Serving spoon