Provolone Sausage Alfredo Penne: Crockpot Dump Dinner

This Crockpot dump dinner is the ultimate weeknight savior: just brown the sausage, dump in the pasta, broccoli, Alfredo sauce, and top with ricotta and provolone, then let the slow cooker work its magic.

The result is a creamy, cheesy, comforting pasta bake that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but the hands-on time is minimal. Perfect for busy families, this one-pot meal delivers big flavor with almost no effort.

Slow cooker pasta bakes are genius: they combine the set-it-and-forget-it convenience of a Crockpot with the hearty satisfaction of a baked pasta dish. This recipe layers savory browned Italian sausage, penne, fresh broccoli, and a rich garlic parmesan Alfredo sauce, then tops it with creamy ricotta and provolone.

As it cooks low and slow, the pasta absorbs the sauce, the cheese melts into a velvety blanket, and the flavors meld beautifully. The result is a bubbling, spoonable casserole that's perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The slow cooker acts as a gentle, even heat source that cooks the pasta and broccoli perfectly without constant stirring.

The low temperature allows the pasta to absorb the Alfredo sauce slowly, creating a creamy, cohesive dish rather than a watery or mushy one. The sausage, browned beforehand, adds a deep savory flavor that permeates the entire dish.

Layering the ingredients—sausage on the bottom, then pasta, broccoli, and sauce, and finally the cheeses on top—ensures that everything cooks evenly.

The ricotta dollops and provolone blanket melt into a luscious topping, while the steam from the slow cooker keeps the dish moist and tender. This method is forgiving and foolproof, making it ideal for weeknight cooking.

Notes and substitutions

Use a good-quality jarred Alfredo sauce for convenience, or make your own if you have time. The garlic parmesan variety adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the sausage and broccoli. For a lighter option, you can use a reduced-fat Alfredo, but the sauce may be thinner.

Sweet Italian sausage is traditional, but hot Italian sausage adds a nice kick. If using ground turkey or chicken, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Broccoli should be fresh and cut into small florets so it cooks through in the slow cooker. Shredded provolone melts beautifully; you can also use a mix of provolone and mozzarella.

• sweet Italian pork sausage: Use hot Italian sausage for a spicy kick, or ground turkey sausage for a leaner option (adjust cooking time to ensure it reaches 165°F).
• penne pasta: Substitute with rigatoni, ziti, or fusilli; adjust cooking time as needed.
• fresh broccoli florets: Frozen broccoli florets work; thaw and pat dry before adding to avoid excess water.
• Alfredo sauce: Use a homemade Alfredo or a jarred variety without garlic if preferred.

Equipment

• 7-quart slow cooker (Crockpot)
• Large skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving spoon
• Dinner plates