25 Best Slow Cooker Pasta Recipes
Add pasta as one more meal category in your slow cooker repertoire! If you’ve never tried noodles in slow cooking, you’ll be surprised at the options for easy, scrumptious dishes that will simplify one more step in your routine. Peruse this compilation of the 25 Best Slow Cooker Pasta Recipes to find a new dish to try with your favorite ingredients.
Tips and Tricks For Making Pasta In The Slow Cooker
Pasta recipes for the slow cooker are generally pretty simple. However, it only takes a few missteps to quickly turn your meal into an unfortunate mush. Don’t let previous slow cooker pasta fails or hesitation to try keep you from missing out.
Take note of these tips and tricks to get it right every time!
- Prevent mushy pasta – To keep your slow cooker pasta from overcooking, add it in near the end of cooking time. Remain near your slow cooker so that you can stir and test the texture 1-2 times as the pasta cooks. Once the pasta has reached al dente, turn the slow cooker off or on a keep-warm setting.
- Shape, size, and texture – Keep in mind that the shapes, textures, and sizes of your pasta choices will have varying cook times. Some types of pasta that tend to hold up well in the slow cooker include spaghetti, penne, elbow noodles, or shells. Thinner (or less firm) pasta types such as angel hair, ramen, or egg noodles will cook much faster and can become mushy quickly.
- Don’t set and forget – Unlike some recipes that allow for an unattended slow cooker, pasta recipes require a little extra attention. Note that pasta should generally be added at a later time than the rest of the ingredients. Also, don’t forget to occasionally stir!
- Add enough liquid – When you add pasta to the slow cooker, be sure there is enough liquid for the noodles to be fully submerged. If needed, add an extra ½ cup to 1 cup of liquid at a time until the noodles are just covered. Easy liquid additions are water, broths, and cream.
- Gluten-free – These tried and true pasta recipes generally do NOT include a gluten-free variation. You may wish to cook gluten-free noodles separately or try adding them at the end of slow cooking for just a few minutes. I recommend using corn or chickpea blends and staying away from brown rice pastas which tend to be softer.
25 Best Slow Cooker Pasta Recipes
Pasta Bakes, Casseroles, and Lasagnas
The epitome of a one-pot meal! Try these delicious comfort foods in your slow cooker for a meal that is sure to become a family favorite. Use an oval-shaped or casserole-sized slow cooker with at least a 7-quart capacity for even cooking and ingredient distribution.
Slow Cooker Tuna Casserole
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Try this easy, one-dish slow cooker tuna casserole that is full of flavor in a rich, creamy combo of egg noodles, veggies, and tuna. With an extra tasty topping of crushed potato chips, you are sure to find a new favorite or a reason to revisit a timeless classic.
Ingredients
- 2 – 5 oz cans albacore tuna
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 teaspoons herb and garlic seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons flour mixed with an equal amount of water to make a slurry
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 6 oz egg noodles
- 4 oz potato chips crushed
3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Lasagna
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Making lasagna in the slow cooker is a genius way to get a delicious meal on the table! This 3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Lasagna is so easy and tasty, it will blow your mind!!
Ingredients
- 9 oz oven ready lasagna noodles
- 48 oz tomato basil pasta sauce
- 32 oz ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese optional
Slow Cooker Sausage Pasta Bake
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This deliciously creamy pasta is easy to make and totally flavorful! Cooks all day in the slow cooker for a tasty and nutritious dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta noodles
- 30 oz Alfredo sauce
- 4 oz about 2 chicken sausages
- 1 pound precooked sausage crumbles
- 1/2 cup packaged sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 packed cups baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup Italian shredded cheese blend
- 1 cup shredded fresh Parmesan
Slow Cooker Spaghetti Lasagna
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Slow Cooker Spaghetti Lasagna is a super simple way to get your lasagna fix without spending hours of your day in the kitchen! Layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese topped off with yet more cheese, this recipe is absolutely delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked spaghetti noodles
- 2-3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 1/2 cups fresh grated Parmesan cheese
- 15 oz container ricotta cheese
- 24 oz jar spaghetti sauce
- 8 oz Alfredo sauce
- 4 oz pesto sauce
- 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Casserole
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Satisfying your comfort food cravings is about to get a lot easier! Using this Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe, you can make a tasty, home-cooked classic with just a few ingredients and minimal prep. Instead of typical chicken casseroles made with canned soups, a simple combination results in a healthier option that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup onion diced
- 1 tsp herb & garlic seasoning
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- 1 cup crushed potato chips
- 4 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Slow Cooker Veggie Lasagna
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Who says lasagna has to take a ton of time and effort? Not this Slow Cooker Veggie Lasagna! Packed full of nutritious veggies and a super simple and delicious homemade pasta sauce, this lasagna will soon be your favorite. With the help of your slow cooker this easy recipe is perfect for your families next meal!
Ingredients
For Sauce:
- 24 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 8 oz can roasted garlic tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon freeze dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or roasted garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon honey
For Lasagna:
- 1 package oven ready lasagna noodles about 15 pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large bell pepper yellow, orange, or red, diced
- 1 zucchini squash diced
- 4 oz Portobello mushrooms sliced
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- pinch red pepper flakes
- 15 oz container ricotta cheese
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Pasta Soups in the Slow Cooker
It doesn’t get more homey than this! Try some of the best cozy and hearty soups that remain favorites in any season of the year.
Slow Cooker Spicy Beef Tortellini Soup
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If you have a meat lover who turns their nose up at the thought of “just soup” for dinner, have I got a recipe for you!! This one is so meaty, hearty, rich and filling it will satisfy the soup lovers and the meat lovers and even the pasta lovers alike! That, and it’s so simple to make that the cook of the family will probably love it the most!
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef stew meat
- 2 cups spicy marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 14.5oz cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes (or regular diced tomatoes if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 oz dried tortellini pasta noodles
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream optional
- grated parmesan cheese for serving optional
Creamy Meatball Soup In The Slow Cooker
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Creamy Meatball Soup in the Slow Cooker is a cozy comfort food that fills and warms you up – a complete meal in one bowl! Meatball soups are a favorite dish in many geographic cuisines, and this recipe is a delicious twist with flavorfully seasoned mini meatballs, a rich, creamy base, and a pasta or rice option. Make your next main meal absolutely scrumptious with this hearty soup.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 96% lean
- ¼ cup gluten-free panko bread crumbs Can use regular or gluten-free panko
- ¼ cup milk Can use regular or unsweetened and unflavored dairy-free milk
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons Easy Homemade Italian Dressing Mix divided
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup dried orzo pasta or Banza Rice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
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No matter if the weather is warm or cold, a comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup is always in order! This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is quick and easy to assemble and perfect for sharing with a friend or just having for dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 8 ounces canned mushrooms, drained
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- pinch ground black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces egg noodles (thick or thin, your preference. I used homestyle Amish noodles)
Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatball Soup
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Your family can't get enough spaghetti and meatballs? For a little variety, try this Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs Soup!! A fun twist to the classic but a little less filling for those nights when you crave the flavor but want a lighter meal.
Ingredients
- For the meatballs:
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup quick cook rolled oats
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian season blend I used McCormick’s Tucscan Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the soup:
- 24 oz pasta sauce or 3 cups
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3-4 oz dried spaghetti noodles broken into 1 or 2 inch pieces for later
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipes
Because why NOT take a favorite and make it even more amazing? The slow cooker will effortlessly elevate your classic mac and cheese. If you didn’t think it got better than your stovetop version, you are in for a scrumptious surprise!
Slow Cooker Beer Mac & Cheese
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Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is amazing on it’s own, but when you add your favorite beer you end up with a grown-up comfort food you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
For pasta:
- 1 pound beef stew meat
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup stout beer
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire pub burger seasoning
- 14.5 oz can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 8 oz pasta noodles for later (see note)
For cheese sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 cup stout beer
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese
Slow Cooker Chili Mac
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While Slow Cooker Chili is an amazing and easy dinner by itself, sometimes you have to up your game just a bit! This Slow Cooker Chili Mac is a hearty, filling dinner that your family will request again and again!
Ingredients
Chili:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 15 oz canned light red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 28 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
Pasta:
- 12 oz dried elbow noodles
Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded colby jack or cheddar jack cheese (4 oz)
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese with Garlic Chicken
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Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is a simple and easy way to make totally homemade mac and cheese without a ton of work. Add garlic chicken to make it a filling meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken (I used breast tenders)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 16 oz pasta noodles (choose your favorite)
- 12 oz shredded cheese of choice (I used 6 oz each of sharp white and yellow cheddar)
- 4 oz cream cheese
Slow Cooker White Cheddar Bacon Mac & Cheese
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You may be wondering if there’s anything more delicious than mac and cheese and there is! This Slow Cooker White Cheddar Bacon Mac & Cheese is not only creamy and delicious but also has bacon!
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon beer can chicken seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 4 slices bacon (later)
- 8 oz pasta noodles (later)
For Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 2 cups white cheddar cheese (shredded)
Optional:
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
More Chicken and Pasta Recipes in the Slow Cooker
Some of the most popular pasta recipes include shredded chicken and delicious sauces. From classic chicken and noodles to spicy firecracker pasta… you won’t get bored with your pasta meals with these options!
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti
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Cheesy spaghetti dishes are staple features at family dinners, potlucks, and other gatherings for good reason! A generous serving of this simple yet oh-so-tasty Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti will bring you comfort in culinary form and will have everyone asking for seconds. The flavor in this warm bowl of pasta, shredded chicken, and luscious sauce is hard to match!
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 shallot chopped
- 1 tablespoon jarred minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon homemade ranch seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 16 oz spaghetti noodles uncooked
- 8 oz cream cheese room temp
- 2 cups shredded cheese
Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles
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A bowl of homey comfort food – coming right up! Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles is a favorite family recipe that can be made as an all-in-one dish. Make this for those nights you need something everyone will love – with just a handful of simple ingredients!
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon herb and garlic seasoning
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 16 oz frozen egg noodles
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- salt to taste
Slow Cooker Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta
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This one won’t be for the calorie-conscious, but it WILL be one of the most decadent and delicious meals you ever make in your slow cooker! Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta gets rave reviews time after time. A bowl (or two) of this cheesy, creamy pasta will satisfy all your carb cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce 1/4 cup now, 1/4 cup later
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing mix from a packet
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water
- 16 ounces linguine noodles
- Chopped cilantro for garnish optional
Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Pasta
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You can totally have this delicious Barbecue Chicken Pasta on the table for your family, on a weeknight, and only use one pot to make it… your slow cooker!! Yes, even the pasta!
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cups KC Masterpiece Sweet Honey and Molasses Barbecue Sauce (1/2 cup now + 1/4 cup later)
- 1 tablespoon dried ranch dressing mix
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water whisked together
- 8 oz whipped cream cheese
- 8 oz 1 cup shredded cheese (I used sharp cheddar)
- 16 oz pasta noodles (penne or rigatoni are best)
- fresh chopped cilantro green onions and additional barbecue sauce for garnish, optional
Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken Pasta
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This Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken Pasta is an easy dinner recipe that is sure to bring the heat to your dinner table!
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (chopped into bite sized pieces)
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s)
- 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon corn starch + 1 tablespoon water (whisked together)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (more or less depending on how creamy vs. spicy you prefer, for later)
- 10 oz uncooked linguine pasta noodles for later
Hearty Pasta Recipes for the Slow Cooker
When you’re looking for meals to feed everyone around the table, this is the list you need! Try a classic spaghetti with meatballs or a vegetarian butternut squash linguine. You will be sure to find a dish that everyone loves and comes back for seconds!
Slow Cooker Cheese Tortellini
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You need a family friendly meal, you say? Well, here it is! Slow Cooker Cheese Tortellini is not only so easy because it's made entirely in the slow cooker, it's also a family favorite comfort food meal!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 pound ground turkey or lean ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon herb and garlic seasoning
- 24 oz pasta sauce
- 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream for later
- 10 oz fresh or dried cheese filled tortellini noodles for later
- Parmesan cheese for topping optional
Slow Cooker Goulash
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Looking for an easy but tasty meal that you can throw in the slow cooker with ingredients you likely already have? How about this simple yet tasty Slow Cooker Goulash?
Ingredients
- 1 pounds ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 2 teaspoons jarred minced garlic
- 1 green bell pepper seeded and diced
- 2 cups tomato basil pasta sauce
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 15 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon herb and garlic seasoning
- 6 oz pasta noodles
Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs
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Need a dinner that takes minimal work and uses minimal ingredients but yields maximum results? This ultra family-friendly Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs will be on repeat at your house!
Ingredients
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 pound lean ground beef (at least 93% lean)
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning blend
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 4 cups spaghetti sauce
- 10 oz spaghetti noodles uncooked
- 1/2 cup hot water
- Parmesan cheese for serving optional
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Linguine
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This Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Linguine has the kind of sauce that is truly amazing in that it can be so rich and creamy without being all that creamy. Perfect for a winter themed pasta dish!
Ingredients
- 3 pounds butternut squash
- 1/2 small onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup heavy cream for later, optional
- 18 oz packaged refrigerated linguine pasta
Slow Cooker Enchilada Pasta
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No complaints about the dinner menu tonight! Slow Cooker Enchilada Pasta is a hearty, cheesy dish that will surely bring everyone back for seconds. Enjoy a vegetarian meal with a flavorful combination of black beans, corn, and enchilada sauce.
Ingredients
- 15 oz can black beans drained and rinsed
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 12 oz enchilada sauce
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 cups dry orzo pasta
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Chickpea Pasta
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This is like all the cozy happy feelings of fall wrapped up into a warm and creamy bowl of delicious pasta! I love using my slow cooker to help me make delicious pasta dishes and this Chickpea and Butternut Squash version is no exception!
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry chickpeas
- 3 cups cubed butternut squash 1 small squash or about 10-12 oz pre-cubed
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dried sage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 12 oz pasta noodles I used Ditalini
- Asiago cheese optional for serving
- Fresh basil optional for serving
I made Butternut Squash & Chickpea last night and it is DELICIOUS! Thanks for sharing!!
perfect suggestions will make some tasty out of them.
Thanks Stacy! Let me know what you try!