Creamy Crockpot Pasta Recipe for Easy, Flavorful Family Dinners

Craving a comforting, effortless meal that satisfies the whole family? This Crockpot Pasta Recipe is your new go-to! Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends, this one-pot wonder brings together tender pasta, a rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and flavorful seasonings all slow-cooked to perfection. With minimal prep and no need to watch the stove, your crockpot does all the heavy lifting. Just dump, stir, and return hours later to a warm, hearty dish that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re cooking for kids or a crowd, this delicious pasta recipe checks every box: simple, satisfying, and stress-free.

Recipe Card

Ingredients Of Crockpot Pasta Recipe

Uncooked penne pasta
Crushed tomatoes
Onion (chopped)
Salt
Black pepper
Grated parmesan
Chicken or vegetable broth

Ground beef or Italian sausage
Tomato sauce
Garlic (minced)
Italian seasoning
Cream cheese
Shredded mozzarella
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Why You Will Love This Crockpot Pasta Recipe

This recipe makes dinner planning easy with minimal prep and cleanup. It’s full of savory flavor from herbs, garlic, and melty cheese. It works with pantry staples and feeds a crowd affordably. Plus, the crockpot keeps everything perfectly moist and infused. Great for make-ahead meals too!

Preparation Process Of Crockpot Pasta Recipe

Begin by browning the meat and sautéing onions and garlic for a flavor-packed base. Layer all ingredients, except pasta and cheese, in your crockpot. Let it simmer on low, developing rich flavors. Stir in pasta and cheese toward the end so they cook evenly without turning mushy. Simple and reliable!

Step By Step Instructions

Cook the Meat
Brown ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant.

Layer the Base
Add meat, sautéed onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and seasoning into the crockpot. Stir well.

Slow Cook the Sauce
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours to blend the flavors.

Add the Pasta
Add uncooked pasta and stir. Cook on high for another 30–40 minutes or until pasta is al dente.

Stir in the Cheese
Add cream cheese and shredded mozzarella. Stir until melted and creamy.

Serve and Enjoy
Top with parmesan and fresh basil. Serve hot and savor every bite!

How to Serve?

Garnish with chopped basil and extra cheese
Pair with garlic bread or a side salad
Serve hot in bowls for cozy comfort
Pack leftovers in airtight containers
Sprinkle red chili flakes for a spicy twist

Tips & Variations

Use rotini or shells if penne isn’t available.

Use jarred marinara for quicker prep.

Substitute meat with mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

Add spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients.

Stir occasionally if your slow cooker tends to run hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 480
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 50g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 720mg

Recipe Card

Crockpot Pasta Recipe

Recipe by Rachael rayCourse: Pasta Recipe

Servings

6 people

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

hours

Calories

480

kcal

This Crockpot Pasta Recipe is the ultimate easy comfort food. Packed with rich tomato flavor, tender pasta, and gooey melted cheese, it’s cooked entirely in a slow cooker for a stress-free dinner. Whether you’re using beef, sausage, or a vegetarian twist, this recipe is flexible and satisfying. Just brown the meat, dump everything in the crockpot, and walk away return to a hot, flavorful dish that pleases both kids and adults alike. Ideal for weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep, this one-pot meal is a kitchen lifesaver that delivers every time. Creamy, hearty, and full of bold flavors.

Ingredients

Uncooked penne pasta
Ground beef or Italian sausage
Crushed tomatoes
Tomato sauce
Onion (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Italian seasoning
Salt
Black pepper
Cream cheese
Shredded mozzarella
Grated parmesan
Chicken or vegetable broth
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Directions

Cook the Meat
Brown ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant.
Layer the Base
Add meat, sautéed onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and seasoning into the crockpot. Stir well.
Slow Cook the Sauce
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours to blend the flavors.
Add the Pasta
Add uncooked pasta and stir. Cook on high for another 30–40 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
Stir in the Cheese
Add cream cheese and shredded mozzarella. Stir until melted and creamy.
Serve and Enjoy
Top with parmesan and fresh basil. Serve hot and savor every bite!

Recipe Video

Notes

Don’t overcook the pasta add it toward the end for perfect texture.
You can prep the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
Use low-sodium broth if watching your salt intake.
This dish freezes well for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Yes, just reduce the cooking time slightly and check often to avoid overcooking.

You can, but it adds creaminess. Try sour cream or a dairy-free alternative.

Stored in an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Yes, cook on high for about 2.5–3 hours before adding pasta.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Pasta Recipe proves that homemade meals can be both easy and delicious. With a rich, cheesy sauce and tender pasta, it’s perfect for those seeking comfort without the hassle. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a time-saving, flavor-packed solution you’ll want to make again and again.