Toss the chicken in the slow cooker and just 4 other ingredients. You get a meal so delicious your family will be begging for more, and it’s perfect for a cozy night in.

For picky eaters, you can keep a portion of the cooked penne plain and serve the saucy chicken on the side so kids can decide how much to add. If your family prefers a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of milk or a few tablespoons of cream cheese when you add the first cup of Parmesan. You can also swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs if that’s what you have on hand; they’ll be just as tender and flavorful. To sneak in some veggies, stir in a handful of baby spinach or frozen peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking so they soften but stay bright. For a bit of crunch, top each bowl with seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed croutons along with the Parmesan. If someone needs to avoid gluten, use your favorite gluten-free penne and be sure your marinara sauce is labeled gluten-free.