Throw chicken breasts in the slow cooker and 4 other ingredients to get a meal so delicious your family will think you ordered takeout from their favorite Italian spot.

This 5-ingredient slow cooker spinach artichoke chicken pasta is the kind of comforting, creamy dish that tastes like it came from a cozy little Italian place in town, even though you barely lifted a finger. It reminds me of the old church potlucks where someone would always bring a bubbling spinach artichoke dip, and folks would hover nearby with plates in hand. Here, that same flavor wraps around tender chicken and penne pasta. You simply lay raw chicken breasts in the slow cooker, tuck in a block of cream cheese and spinach, add a jar of sauce, and let time do the work. By supper, you’ll have a rich, restaurant-style meal that feels special but fits right into a busy weekday on the farm or in town.

Serve this creamy spinach artichoke chicken pasta in warm bowls with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Romano cheese if you have it, and maybe a little cracked black pepper. A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette helps cut through the richness, and garlic bread or a crusty loaf is perfect for mopping up the extra sauce. If you like, pour a glass of chilled white wine or iced tea and finish the meal with something simple and homey, like sliced fresh fruit or a pan of brownies.

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese
1 (10-ounce) bag fresh baby spinach, loosely packed
1 (15-ounce) jar spinach artichoke pasta sauce or spinach artichoke dip-style pasta sauce
12 ounces dry penne pasta