This recipe was inspired by classic Italian baked pasta dishes such as baked penne and baked ziti. They’re generally served casserole-style and best known for their copious quantities of Bolognese sauce, cheese, more sauce, and more cheese.
This Crockpot Pasta Recipe is Healthy and Easy
I love to take these classic Italian dishes and give them a wholesome makeover, as I did with this Crock Pot Chicken Marsala and Turkey Bolognese.
This crock pot pasta recipe is lightened-up and better for you, but it keeps all the cheesy satisfaction. (If you love classic recipes with healthy swaps, you’ll love this Eggplant Lasagna and Zucchini Lasagna too.)Instead of the red meat usually chosen for baked pastas, I used a vegetarian base of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach. They sneak in servings of veggies, provide layers of flavor and texture, and make this pasta plenty satisfying, sans meat.Best of all, this slow cooker pasta recipe is simple to make, and it yields a large enough batch to feed a whole family Italian food–loving wolves. Kids love it too, so if you want crock pot pasta for a crowd, this is the recipe for you (as is Crockpot Lasagna).
How to Make Slow Cooker Pasta
This vegetarian Italian slow cooker pasta is a cinch! Only a few minutes of chopping, sautéing, and layering, then you can set the timer on the slow cooker and go about your day.
The Ingredients
Whole Wheat Pasta. One of the easiest ways to instantly make a pasta recipe healthier is to use a whole grain option instead of white. Whole grains are higher in fiber, protein, and nutrients. You won’t notice the difference. I used penne for this recipe, but you could use any kind you like. I just wouldn’t recommend a long noodle like spaghetti.
Cheese. This recipe uses the trifecta of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese (I used part-skim ricotta and mozzarella to keep it light). While the pasta cooks, the cheeses turn into a tantalizing triumph of melty, gooey, and creamy.Veggies. The key to a nutrient-dense and flavorful pasta. This recipe uses a delightful combination of mushrooms, red onion, red pepper, and spinach. While I love this crock pot pasta with spinach, I know spinach can be a controversial subject in some households, so it can be omitted if needed.Pasta Sauce. I used store-bought tomato pasta sauce for an easy shortcut. Pick one with minimal added sugars and a stand-out flavor. Roasted garlic is one of my go-tos.
The Directions
Storage Tips
To Store. Store cooked leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.To Freeze. Place cooked crockpot pasta in an airtight freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to 3 months.To Reheat. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat servings gently in the microwave, splashed with a bit of chicken or vegetable broth, water, or extra sauce to keep it from drying out. You could also try reheating it in a casserole dish, covered, in a 350 degree F oven until warmed through.
What to Serve With Crockpot Pasta
While this crock pot pasta makes a wonderful meal all on its own, here are a few ideas of what to serve with it.
Salad. Add some more fresh, leafy greens to your table by serving this recipe with Arugula Salad or Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad.Bread. This deliciously cheesy recipe begs to be sopped up with some Rosemary Olive Oil Bread or Crock Pot Bread.Chicken. If you’d like protein on the side, try serving the pasta with simply Grilled Chicken Breast, Grilled Chicken Tenders, or Baked Chicken Breast.Roasted Vegetables. Toss a pan in the oven towards the end of the pasta’s cooking time. Classic Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic, Roasted Zucchini, and Roasted Potatoes and Carrots are all lovely choices.Meatballs. Compliment the pasta with Italians’ favorite protein! Try beef Crockpot Meatballs or Baked Turkey Meatballs.
Recommended Tools to Make Slow Cooker Pasta
Programmable Slow Cooker. This slow cooker switches to “keep warm” once the cooking time ends, so food is less likely to overcook.Sturdy non-slip cutting board. The best cutting board I’ve ever owned.Cheese grater. I like either a box grater like this or a microplane grater.
I know you’re going to love the ease and cheesy flavors of this delicious crock pot pasta! Leave a rating below in the comments and let me know how you liked the recipe.
