16 Easy Crockpot Pasta Recipes for Family Dinners

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that pasta is the ultimate comfort food. And guess what? It just got even easier (and tastier) thanks to the crockpot! Whether you’re a pasta purist or love trying new flavor twists, these 16 easy crockpot pasta recipes will take dinner from stressful to stress-free, with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness. Just throw everything in, let your slow cooker do the work, and in a few hours, you’ll have a hot, hearty meal that tastes like it came straight from an Italian kitchen.

I’ve rounded up the best crockpot pasta dishes that are foolproof, flavorful, and perfect for feeding your family. Trust me, I’ve carefully tested and tasted them all, and each one is an absolute winner. From cheesy casseroles to spicy twists, these recipes have something for everyone.

So without any further ado, let’s dive into these cozy, satisfying slow cooked pasta dishes that’ll make you wonder why you ever cooked pasta any other way!

1. Crockpot Baked Ziti

This Crockpot Baked Ziti has all the cheesy goodness of traditional baked ziti, but with half the effort. Layers of pasta, ricotta, marinara, and mozzarella come together for a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. I serve with with some crispy garlic bread, and it always flies right off the table!

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

1 lb ziti pasta, uncooked
3 cups marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Parsley, to garnish

Instructions:

Spray the crockpot with cooking spray. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom.
Layer half of the uncooked ziti, half of the ricotta, and half of the mozzarella. Repeat the layers.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce on top and sprinkle with Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted. Garnish with parsley before serving.

2. Crockpot Lasagna

This Crockpot Lasagna is everything you love about the classic Italian dish—layers of pasta, meat sauce, and gooey cheese—without the fuss of assembling and baking. I try to make enough so I have leftovers, and I pop them in the freezer so I’m covered for another couple of meals.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 box lasagna noodles, uncooked
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Parsley, to garnish

Instructions:

Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain the fat.
In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
Spread a thin layer of marinara on the bottom of the crockpot. Add a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles, breaking them to fit.
Spread a layer of meat, then ricotta mixture, then mozzarella. Repeat the layers, ending with sauce and mozzarella on top.
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours until the noodles are tender. Serve garnished with parsley.

3. Crockpot Mac and Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-easy, this Crockpot Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck where you want to impress with minimal effort. Of course, you can easily jazz this up a little if you like. I like to add crispy bacon and chopped green onions as a topping for extra flavor and crunch!

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup cream cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Spray the crockpot with cooking spray. Add all the ingredients and stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted.
Stir well before serving.

4. Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Rich, creamy Alfredo sauce over tender pasta and juicy chicken—this Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Pasta is an indulgent dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s pretty simple so fussy kids will often love it, and it’s perfect served with a crisp green salad to add a splash of color to the table.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 cups penne pasta, uncooked
2 cups chicken broth
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

Place chicken breasts in the crockpot and season with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
Pour in chicken broth and cover. Cook on low for 4 hours.
Remove the chicken, shred it, and set aside.
Add the pasta to the crockpot, stir, and cook on low for 30-40 minutes until tender.
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and shredded chicken. Cook for another 5 minutes before serving.

5. Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Classic spaghetti and meatballs just got easier! Let the crockpot do the work in this hands-off version that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner. I often use ready made frozen meatballs for this recipe as it’s a big timesaver for busy days, but of course you can make your own if you prefer.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

1 lb frozen meatballs
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
8 oz spaghetti, uncooked
2 cups water
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

Add meatballs, marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to the crockpot.
Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
Add the uncooked spaghetti and water, stir, and cook on low for 30-40 minutes until the pasta is tender.
Stir before serving.

6. Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Pasta

For a spicy twist on pasta night, this Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Pasta brings the heat with tender chicken, hot sauce, and creamy cheese.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
2 cups penne pasta, uncooked
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese
2 cups chicken broth
1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

Place chicken breasts in the crockpot and pour in chicken broth and buffalo sauce.
Cook on low for 4 hours, then shred the chicken.
Add the pasta and cook for 30-40 minutes until tender.
Stir in cream cheese and cheddar until melted. Serve with extra buffalo sauce if desired.

7. Crockpot Cajun Chicken Pasta

This Crockpot Cajun Chicken Pasta is creamy, spicy, and full of bold flavors. The combination of Cajun seasoning and tender chicken makes it a winner. If you really enjoy a spicy kick, add red chili flakes before serving.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups penne pasta, uncooked
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
2 cups chicken broth
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

Place chicken breasts in the crockpot and season with Cajun seasoning and garlic powder.
Add chicken broth and cover. Cook on low for 4 hours.
Remove the chicken, shred it, and set aside.
Add pasta and cook for 30-40 minutes until tender.
Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and shredded chicken.

8. Crockpot Tuna Casserole

Tuna casserole just got a slow-cooker upgrade! This Crockpot Tuna Casserole is creamy, comforting, and packed with classic flavors.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

2 cans tuna, drained
2 cups egg noodles, uncooked
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk

Instructions:

Add all ingredients to the crockpot and stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Stir well before serving.

9. Crockpot Taco Pasta

For a fun and flavorful twist on taco night, this Crockpot Taco Pasta combines ground beef, taco seasoning, and cheesy pasta in one delicious dish. My kids LOVE tacos and would happily eat them a few nights a week – putting this dish in my recipe rotation just helps to ensure that no-one gets bored!

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
2 cups rotini pasta, uncooked
1 packet taco seasoning
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups beef broth

Instructions:

Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain the fat.
Add beef, taco seasoning, tomatoes, pasta, and broth to the crockpot.
Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Stir in the cheddar cheese before serving.

10. Crockpot Chicken Pesto Pasta

This Crockpot Chicken Pesto Pasta is light, fresh, and full of basil pesto flavor. It’s perfect for when you want a simple yet satisfying meal. I try to keep a serving as leftovers, as it makes a beautiful cold lunch the next day with salad and some shredded mozzarella.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups penne pasta, uncooked
1/2 cup pesto
2 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Place chicken breasts in the crockpot and pour in chicken broth.
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, then shred the chicken.
Add pasta and cook for 30-40 minutes until tender.
Stir in pesto and Parmesan before serving.

11. Crockpot Stuffed Shells

These Crockpot Stuffed Shells are filled with a creamy ricotta mixture and smothered in marinara sauce. It’s a delicious, cheesy, Italian-inspired dish made easy in the slow cooker.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

12 jumbo pasta shells, uncooked
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cups marinara sauce

Instructions:

Mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg in a bowl.
Stuff each shell with the ricotta mixture.
Spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce in the bottom of the crockpot. Add stuffed shells and cover with remaining sauce.
Cook on low for 4 hours until the pasta is tender.

12. Crockpot Pizza Casserole

If you’re a pizza lover, you’ll adore this Crockpot Pizza Casserole. It’s loaded with pepperoni, sausage, and plenty of cheese—basically pizza in pasta form. It’s a great option if you want to get fussy kids excited about dinner – I know the struggle!

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

2 cups penne or rigatoni pasta, uncooked
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
1/2 cup cooked sausage
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions:

Add pasta, marinara sauce, pepperoni, sausage, and half the cheese to the crockpot.
Stir to combine.
Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Top with the remaining cheese and let melt before serving.

13. Crockpot Creamy Sausage Pasta

This Crockpot Creamy Sausage Pasta is rich and indulgent, with a creamy sauce and plenty of flavorful sausage. It’s the ultimate comfort food.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
2 cups penne pasta, uncooked
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
2 cups chicken broth
Parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

Brown the sausage in a skillet and drain the fat.
Add sausage, pasta, chicken broth, and cream to the crockpot.
Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Stir in Parmesan cheese before serving, garnished with parsley.

14. Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Philly cheesesteak meets pasta in this rich, cheesy Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta. With tender beef, sautéed peppers, and plenty of cheese, it’s a hit for the whole family.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

1 lb beef strips
2 cups rotini or penne pasta, uncooked
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
1 cup shredded provolone cheese
2 cups beef broth

Instructions:

Add beef strips, bell pepper, onion, pasta, and beef broth to the crockpot.
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
Stir in provolone cheese and cook for another 5 minutes before serving.

15. Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Pasta combines tender chicken, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella in one delicious, easy-to-make dish.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups penne pasta, uncooked
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Place chicken breasts in the crockpot and pour marinara sauce over the top.
Cook on low for 4 hours, then shred the chicken.
Add the pasta and cook for 30-40 minutes until tender.
Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese before serving.

16. Crockpot BBQ Chicken Pasta

This Crockpot BBQ Chicken Pasta is tangy, cheesy, and oh-so-easy. It’s a unique twist on traditional pasta dishes that everyone will love.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
2 cups rotini pasta, uncooked
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups chicken broth

Instructions:

Place chicken breasts in the crockpot and pour in BBQ sauce and chicken broth.
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, then shred the chicken.
Add pasta and cook for 30-40 minutes until tender.
Stir in cheddar cheese before serving.

There you have it—16 easy crockpot pasta recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or feeding a crowd. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, these dishes will have your family asking for seconds. Happy slow cooking! Before you go, leave a comment below and share your favorite idea – I love hearing your feedback, and it helps me to create more recipes that you’ll love!