Cheese.
Glorious and yummy, cheese.
This Slow Cooker Three Cheese Penne Pasta Recipe is really more like a baked pasta dish (that just happens to use your slow cooker). The cheeses “meld” together with the pasta to create a hearty dish that can either be eaten on its own or as a side.
Plus, this recipe is perfect for a weekend night meal. Mix it up at lunch time, turn it on, and go about your afternoon running errands, seeing a movie or hitting the grocery store.
And when you get home, dinner will be done. And it will be cheesy.
On a side note, for recipes such as this I can not say enough about the Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker. You can program it for a start and stop time…and after it stops, it automatically kicks to warm. Perfect when you are running late.
Slow Cooker Three Cheese Penne Pasta Recipe
This Slow Cooker Three Cheese Penne Pasta Recipe is really more like a baked pasta dish (that just happens to use your slow cooker). The cheeses “meld” together with the pasta to create a hearty dish that can either be eaten on its own or as a side.
Recipe Yields: 5 – 6 Servings
Ingredients
1 pound penne pasta
12 ounces half and half or whole milk
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 can evaporated milk, 12 ounces
4 ounces gruyere cheese, shredded (can substitute swiss cheese)
2 ounces american cheese, shredded
2 ounces parmesan cheese, shredded
Topping Ingredients
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 small handful fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
1. In a pot of boiling water, cook penne for 6 minutes, drain; set aside.
You’ll want the pasta to be al dente, so don’t overcook it.
2. In a bowl, add half and half, melted butter, mustard, salt, and evaporated milk; whisk to combine. Add cheeses and mix quickly to combine.
3. Spray slow cooker with cooking spray, add penne then pour cheese mixtures over the top, stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours. Remove cover, stir well and then cover and let sit for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees5.
6. Place panko breadcrumbs in a bowl with the 1 tablespoon melted butter and combine.
7. Spread panko mixture on a baking sheet, and toast for 4-5 minutes or until lightly browned; remove.
8. Spoon pasta into bowls. Add toasted panko and fresh parsley to garnish.
9. Enjoy.
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