Slow Cooker Pasta Recipes

Mak Erot

4 min read

·

Apr 04, 2025

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Slow Cooker Pasta Recipes: Effortless Weeknight Meals

Slow cookers are kitchen superheroes, transforming complex recipes into effortless culinary masterpieces. And when it comes to pasta, the slow cooker offers a surprisingly delicious and convenient approach. Forget about meticulously timing boiling water and stirring – your slow cooker handles it all, leaving you with perfectly cooked pasta and a rich, flavorful sauce. This guide delves into several amazing slow cooker pasta recipes, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals.

Why Choose Slow Cooker Pasta?

Several compelling reasons make slow cooker pasta a fantastic choice for your next meal:

• Effortless Cooking: Simply toss ingredients in your slow cooker, set it, and forget it! Minimal hands-on time is needed.
• Flavor Infusion: The slow cooking process allows flavors to meld and deepen, creating a more intense and delicious sauce.
• Tender Pasta: Slow cooking prevents the pasta from becoming mushy or overcooked, ensuring a perfect texture.
• Versatile Recipes: Endless variations exist, catering to various tastes and dietary preferences.

Three Amazing Slow Cooker Pasta Recipes to Try

Here are three delicious and easy slow cooker pasta recipes to get you started:

1. Creamy Tomato Basil Slow Cooker Pasta

This recipe is a classic for a reason – it's simple, comforting, and bursting with fresh flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, basil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in your slow cooker.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Add the pasta to the slow cooker. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the sauce. Add a little extra liquid if needed.
4. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
5. Stir gently before serving.

2. Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Slow Cooker Pasta

This hearty and satisfying recipe is a family favorite, perfect for a cold night.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta (elbow macaroni, shells, or your favorite shape)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine chicken broth, cheddar cheese, milk, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in your slow cooker.
2. Add the cooked chicken and broccoli florets.
3. Stir well to combine.
4. Add the pasta. Ensure it's fully submerged.
5. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the pasta is cooked through and the cheese is melted and creamy.
6. Stir gently before serving.

3. Spicy Sausage and Peppers Slow Cooker Pasta

For those who enjoy a bit of a kick, this spicy recipe is a winner.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta (rotini, fusilli, or your favorite shape)
• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Combine the cooked sausage, bell peppers, onion, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper in your slow cooker.
3. Stir well to combine.
4. Add the pasta. Ensure it's fully submerged.
5. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
6. Stir gently before serving.

Tips for Slow Cooker Pasta Success

• Use the right pasta: Not all pasta shapes work well in a slow cooker. Shorter pasta shapes tend to be better.
• Don't overcook: Start by checking the pasta for doneness about 30 minutes before the suggested cooking time to prevent mushiness.
• Adjust liquid as needed: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more liquid. If it's too thin, cook it for a longer period.
• Get creative with your ingredients: Experiment with different vegetables, meats, and cheeses to create your own unique slow cooker pasta recipes.

Enjoy your delicious and easy slow cooker pasta creations!