Crockpot Mozzarella Sausage Alfredo Penne Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the most flavorful sauce, use a high-quality Alfredo sauce. You can also make your own by simmering butter, heavy cream, and parmesan.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of Alfredo or add an extra ounce of cream cheese. To add a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over the finished dish.

If you like a crispy top, after stirring, you can sprinkle extra mozzarella on top and switch the slow cooker to high for 15-20 minutes, or place the insert under the broiler for a few minutes.

However, be careful not to burn the cheese. For a lower-carb version, you can replace the penne with zucchini noodles, but add them only during the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid sogginess.

Variations

• Spicy Sausage Alfredo: Use hot Italian sausage or add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. You can also stir in a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Chicken Alfredo: Substitute the sausage with 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, ensuring the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Veggie Alfredo: Omit the sausage and add an extra cup of broccoli and a cup of sliced mushrooms. Sauté the mushrooms with garlic before adding for more flavor.
• Cajun Alfredo: Add 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to the Alfredo sauce before pouring. Use andouille sausage instead of Italian sausage for a smoky, Louisiana-style twist.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to restore creaminess.

Freezer

Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to absorb sauce, so you may want to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to restore creaminess.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. For best quality, consume within 3 days.

You can assemble the entire dish the night before: layer the sausage, pasta, broccoli, Alfredo sauce, cream cheese, and mozzarella in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate.

In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. You may need to add 30 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold. This makes it even easier for busy mornings.

Serving ideas

Serve this hearty pasta hot, straight from the slow cooker. It's a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. For a touch of freshness, sprinkle with chopped parsley or red pepper flakes.

This dish also works well for meal prep. Portion it into individual containers with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple fruit salad. It reheats well and makes a satisfying lunch or dinner. For a fun twist, serve it in bread bowls or over cooked spaghetti squash for a lower-carb option.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Mozzarella Sausage Alfredo Penne

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb browned sweet Italian pork sausage crumbles
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 jar (15 oz) creamy garlic parmesan Alfredo sauce
• 8 oz white cream cheese
• 2 cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Place the browned sweet Italian pork sausage crumbles in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker insert.
2. Scatter the penne pasta and fresh broccoli florets over the sausage, distributing them evenly.
3. Pour the jar of creamy garlic parmesan Alfredo sauce over the pasta and broccoli, covering them as much as possible.
4. Place the block of cream cheese in the center of the crock, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce is bubbling.
6. Once the pasta is tender and the sausage is heated through to 160°F (71°C), stir everything together until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Spoon the hot pasta mixture onto plates or bowls. Serve immediately, garnished with extra mozzarella or fresh herbs if desired.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

620

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

38 g

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