Provolone Sausage Alfredo Penne: Crockpot Dump Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best texture, use a sturdy pasta shape like penne or rigatoni, which holds up well to slow cooking. Avoid thin pasta like spaghetti, which can become mushy.

If you prefer a crispier cheese top, you can transfer the finished dish to a broiler-safe baking dish and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese browns.

To prevent the slow cooker from scorching the bottom, make sure the sausage is well-distributed and the sauce covers the pasta as much as possible.

If you have time, let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking; this allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving easier. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Variations

• Spicy Sausage Alfredo: Use hot Italian sausage or add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the sausage for a spicy kick. You can also swap the provolone for pepper jack cheese to add extra heat.
• Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo: Replace the sausage with 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. Brown the chicken in the skillet before adding to the slow cooker, and ensure it reaches 165°F.
• Mushroom and Spinach Alfredo: Add 8 oz of sliced mushrooms and 2 cups of fresh spinach along with the broccoli. Sauté the mushrooms with the sausage for extra flavor, and stir in the spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo: Add 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes (not in oil) with the broccoli for a tangy, sweet twist. You can also sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly.

Reheat

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

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 water when reheating to restore creaminess.

You can assemble the entire dish in the slow cooker insert (without cooking) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then start cooking when ready. You may need to add 30 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.

Serving ideas

Serve this creamy pasta bake hot, straight from the slow cooker. It's a complete meal on its own, but a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would balance the richness.

Crusty bread is also great for soaking up the extra Alfredo sauce.

For a heartier meal, serve alongside garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables.

The dish is also delicious topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Provolone Sausage Alfredo Penne: Crockpot Dump Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 3 hTotal 3 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb savory browned sweet Italian pork sausage crumbles
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 jar creamy garlic parmesan Alfredo sauce (15 oz)
• 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded provolone cheese

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sweet Italian pork sausage crumbles until browned and cooked through, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if needed. Transfer the cooked sausage to the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add the penne pasta, fresh broccoli florets, and the jar of creamy garlic parmesan Alfredo sauce over the sausage in the slow cooker. Do not stir; simply spread them evenly.
3. Spoon dollops of whole-milk ricotta cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. Then blanket the surface with the shredded provolone cheese, covering as much as possible.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours, or until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Do not open the lid during the first 2 hours to maintain heat.
5. Gently stir the pasta mixture to combine the layers. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired. Serve hot directly from the slow cooker or spoon onto plates.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

650

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

55 g

Fat

32 g

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