Get ready to indulge in a world of mouthwatering flavors and effortless cooking with these incredible Penne Pasta Crock Pot Recipes. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, these recipes are guaranteed to impress and satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. From creamy and cheesy pasta bakes to tangy tomato-based sauces, each dish is filled with the wholesome goodness of tender penne pasta cooked to perfection. So, grab your crock pot and let the magic begin as you discover a whole new way to enjoy one of your favorite Italian classics.
Creamy Penne Pasta
Creamy Penne Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that is loved by pasta enthusiasts all around the world. This dish is known for its rich and indulgent flavors, with a creamy sauce that coats every bite of pasta. Whether you are cooking for yourself or preparing a meal for your family and friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to make a scrumptious batch of creamy penne pasta!
Ingredients
- 1 pound of penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 2-3 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and blends with the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the creamy penne pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips
- To enhance the creaminess of the sauce, you can add a splash of milk or more heavy cream if desired.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar for a unique twist on the classic dish.
- For a healthier alternative, you can substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk.
Cheesy Penne Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound of penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of milk
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux, and cook for about 1 minute until golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to remove any lumps.
- Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until it is evenly coated.
- Serve the cheesy penne pasta hot, and watch as the gooey cheese stretches with every delicious bite.
Variations
- For an extra kick, you can add some diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist to your cheesy penne pasta.
- For a heartier version, add in some cooked crispy bacon or diced ham for a burst of smoky goodness.
- Vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, or even roasted red peppers can be added to the cheesy penne pasta for a nutrient-packed meal.
Vegetarian Penne Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound of penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the can of diced tomatoes (including the liquid) and the dried basil and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the vegetable mixture for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
- Serve the vegetarian penne pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness.
Tips
- Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Other vegetables such as eggplant, asparagus, or spinach can also be great additions.
- Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top of the dish for an extra layer of flavor and richness.
- If you prefer a saucier pasta, you can add a can of tomato sauce or some vegetable broth to the skillet while simmering.
Spicy Penne Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound of penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the dried chili flakes, crushed tomatoes, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the spicy tomato sauce for about 15-20 minutes, until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until it is evenly coated with the spicy sauce.
- Serve the spicy penne pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of freshness and a touch of green.
Serving Suggestions
- To balance the heat of the spicy penne pasta, you can serve it with a side of creamy garlic bread or a cool and refreshing salad.
- A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the dish adds a savory element that complements the spiciness.
Chicken Penne Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound of penne pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the chicken breast pieces to the skillet and cook until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper and mushrooms. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (including the liquid) and the dried Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the cooked penne pasta and the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve the chicken penne pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Tips
- For a creamier version, you can stir in some heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese into the sauce before adding the cooked penne pasta.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, you can add some dried chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy twist to your chicken penne pasta.
Tomato Basil Penne Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound of penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 cups of diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, torn
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook until they release their juices and soften.
- Add the torn basil leaves to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until they wilt slightly.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until it is well-coated with the tomato and basil sauce.
- Serve the tomato basil penne pasta hot, allowing the fresh flavors of the tomatoes and basil to shine.
Garnish
- Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top of the tomato basil penne pasta for a hint of salty richness.
- A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the dish adds a luxurious touch and enhances the flavors.
Mushroom Penne Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound of penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups of sliced mushrooms (such as cremini or button mushrooms)
- 1 cup of vegetable broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they are tender and golden brown.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and allow it to simmer for a few minutes, until the liquid reduces slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until it is well-coated with the creamy mushroom sauce.
- Serve the mushroom penne pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of freshness and vibrant green.
Tips
- For a deeper and earthier flavor, you can use a combination of different mushroom varieties such as porcini, shiitake, or portobello.
- Adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the mushrooms can enhance the flavors and add a subtle complexity to the dish.
- For a vegetarian variation, you can substitute the vegetable broth with mushroom broth or even water.
Broccoli Penne Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound of penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups of broccoli florets
- 1 cup of vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté until they are bright green and slightly tender.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and allow it to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, until the broccoli is cooked to your desired tenderness.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and forms a creamy sauce.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until it is well-coated with the broccoli and Parmesan sauce.
- Serve the broccoli penne pasta hot, allowing the vibrant green color of the broccoli to shine through.
Garnish
- Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts on top of the broccoli penne pasta for a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor.
- You can also drizzle some extra virgin olive oil over the dish before serving, to enhance the flavors and add a touch of richness.
Seafood Penne Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound of penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 pound of mixed seafood (such as shrimp, scallops, and mussels), cleaned and deveined
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of white wine
- 1/2 cup of fish or seafood broth
- 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the mixed seafood to the skillet and cook until they are opaque and cooked through. Remove the seafood from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, pour in the white wine and cook for a few minutes until it reduces slightly.
- Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (including the liquid), fish or seafood broth, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the cooked penne pasta and the cooked seafood back into the skillet. Toss until the pasta and seafood are well-coated with the sauce.
- Serve the seafood penne pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and vibrant green.
Variations
- Feel free to customize the seafood selection based on your preferences and what is available to you. Other options such as crab, clams, or even chunks of white fish can make a delicious addition.
- Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors and complement the seafood.
Creamy Bacon Penne Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound of penne pasta
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 2-3 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked penne pasta and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce and distribute the bacon throughout.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and blends with the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the creamy bacon penne pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips
- You can elevate the flavors of this dish by adding a handful of sautéed mushrooms or some caramelized onions to the skillet before adding the cooked penne pasta.
- For a smokier and more intense bacon flavor, you can use smoked bacon or even pancetta instead.
With these recipes for creamy, cheesy, vegetarian, spicy, chicken, tomato basil, mushroom, broccoli, seafood, and creamy bacon penne pasta, you now have a variety of options to satisfy any pasta craving. Each recipe offers unique flavors and ingredients that are sure to impress your taste buds. So, pick your favorite or try them all, and enjoy a delightful bowl of penne pasta goodness!
