Slow Cooker Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 16 ounces sliced cremini baby bella mushrooms
- 1 small red onion
or yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper
cored and diced
- 5 cups lightly packed fresh baby spinach
about 4 ounces
- 2 cloves garlic
minced
- 15 ounces part-skim ricotta cheese)
(1 container
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
divided
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
about 1 1/4 ounces
- 2 jars good-quality red pasta sauce divided)
(24-ounce jars
- 16 ounces uncooked whole wheat ziti
or penne noodles, or swap a similar short, hollow noodle—see notes if not using whole wheat
- Chopped fresh basil
or parsley, optional for serving
Directions
- 1
Heat the olive oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the mushrooms and onions, and sauté until they're beginning to brown and soften, about 6 minutes. Add the bell pepper and cook for 3 minutes, then add the garlic. Add the spinach a few handfuls at a time, stirring and cooking until spinach wilts and the garlic smells fragrant, 1 to 2 additional minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- 2
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, egg, salt, and pepper, until combined. Stir in 1/2 cup mozzarella and Parmesan.
- 3
Generously coat the inside of a 4-quart or larger slow cooker with cooking spray. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom, then top with half of the pasta noodles. Pour 2 cups sauce over the top and spread it into an even layer with the back of a spoon or spatula. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture on top, then sprinkle with half of the sautéed vegetables.
- 4
Repeat the layers: remaining noodles, 2 cups of sauce, remaining ricotta, and remaining vegetables. Pour the remaining sauce on top and spread evenly. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1 to 2 hours. Check at the 3 (on low) or 1 (on high) hour mark to ensure the pasta does not over cook. To check for doneness, use a fork to pull a "test" noodle from the center of the slow cooker. Once it is tender, the pasta is done.
- 5
Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Cover, turn the heat to high, and cook until the cheese is melted, 5 to 10 minutes. Serve warm, topped with chopped fresh basil or parsley.
Slow Cooker Pasta
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 47 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Imagine a hearty, cheesy pasta bake that practically makes itself, loaded with fresh vegetables and rich sauce. This Slow Cooker Pasta recipe delivers exactly that, making weeknight dinners effortless and deliciously satisfying.
The true magic of this slow cooker recipe lies in its incredibly simple, hands-off approach: everything, including the raw whole wheat ziti, cooks directly in your crockpot. This eliminates extra pots and pans, while allowing the pasta to slowly absorb all the rich, savory flavors of the sauce and vegetables. The result is a healthy, cheesy, and deeply flavorful pasta bake that comes together with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
You can expect a wonderfully comforting and robust pasta dish, where every spoonful is a harmonious blend of creamy ricotta, delightfully gooey mozzarella, and savory Parmesan, all enveloped in a vibrant red pasta sauce. The vegetables – tender cremini mushrooms, sweet red bell pepper, and nutrient-rich wilted spinach – add both essential nutrition and satisfying texture, ensuring a balanced bite. It’s a forgiving recipe, yielding a saucy, cheesy consistency that feels both indulgent and surprisingly wholesome, designed for ease and maximum flavor.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand; diced zucchini or yellow squash would also be delicious additions. For a different cheesy blend, try provolone or a sharp white cheddar. Don't have whole wheat ziti or penne? A similar short, hollow noodle will work, but you may need to adjust liquid as different pasta types absorb differently.
This Slow Cooker Pasta is perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings, offering a substantial meal that everyone will enjoy. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley right before serving for a bright pop of color and herbaceous freshness.