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Crockpot Baked Penne

Servings: 4 | Cook: 3-4 hours on high or 4-6 hours on low

A slow cooker pasta dish with chicken, marinara sauce, and melted cheese.

Ingredients

  • 15 oz can of Marinara sauce
  • 15 oz can of Arrabbiata sauce
  • 2.5 lbs chicken breast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper
  • 16 oz box whole wheat penne pasta
  • 1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup Shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Pour the marinara and arrabbiata sauce into the crock pot
  2. Add the chicken breast into the crockpot
  3. Add all of the seasoning to the crockpot on to the chicken
  4. Cover and cook on high 3 to 4 hours (or on low 4 to 6 hours)
  5. Take the chicken out, cube (or shred) it and put it back into the crockpot
  6. Add box of penne pasta into the crockpot and mix it into the sauce and cook on high for 20 minutes
  7. Stir, then top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese and cook until the cheese is melted

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories 804
Protein 105.1g
Carbohydrates 30.2g
Fat 26.3g
Fiber 2.2g
Sodium 291mg

Glycemic Load

14.4 per serving
(MEDIUM)

Medium glycemic load (10-20). Consider portion size for blood sugar management.

Recipe Improvement Suggestions

Consider these ingredient substitutions for healthier alternatives.

Lower Glycemic Load

Instead of pasta:

  • whole wheat pasta
    — Reduces GL by ~25%
    (More fiber)
  • zucchini noodles
    — Reduces GL by ~90%
    (Low-carb option)
  • chickpea pasta
    — Reduces GL by ~40%
    (High protein)

Lower Cholesterol

Instead of cheese:

  • reduced-fat cheese
    — Reduces cholesterol by ~30%
    (Use same amount)
  • nutritional yeast
    — Zero cholesterol
    (Cheesy flavor, not melting)

Instead of parmesan:

  • nutritional yeast
    — Zero cholesterol
    (Similar umami flavor)
  • reduced-fat parmesan
    — Reduces cholesterol by ~25%
    (Same usage)

Make It Gluten-Free

Instead of pasta:

  • rice pasta
    — Closest texture
    (Most common GF option)
  • chickpea pasta
    — Higher protein
    (Banza brand popular)
  • lentil pasta
    — High fiber and protein
    (Holds sauce well)

These suggestions are general guidelines. Results may vary. For medical dietary needs, consult a healthcare provider.


Recipe extracted and analyzed with Glyc