Easy Slow Cooker Pasta Recipe
This Slow Cooker Pasta is a perfect blend of hearty flavors and healthy ingredients, featuring whole wheat pasta, fresh veggies, and creamy ricotta cheese. It’s an easy, one-pot meal ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping. The layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese cook to perfection in your crockpot, creating a warm, cheesy dinner everyone will love. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or pasta for a personal touch. Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
16 oz sliced cremini (baby bella mushrooms)
1 small red or yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, cored and diced
5 cups fresh baby spinach (about 4 oz)
2 cloves garlic, minced
15 oz part-skim ricotta cheese
1 large egg
½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
1 ½ cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (divided)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 ¼ oz)
2 jars (24 oz each) high-quality red pasta sauce
16 oz uncooked whole wheat ziti or penne noodles
Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and onions; sauté until browned, about 6 minutes. Stir in bell pepper and cook for 3 minutes. Add garlic and spinach, cooking until spinach wilts, 1–2 minutes. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a medium bowl, mix ricotta, egg, salt, and pepper. Stir in ½ cup mozzarella and Parmesan.
3. Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Coat a 4-quart (or larger) slow cooker with cooking spray.
Spread a thin layer of pasta sauce on the bottom.
Layer half of the pasta noodles, followed by 2 cups of sauce, half the ricotta mixture, and half the sautéed veggies.
Repeat layers: remaining pasta, 2 cups sauce, remaining ricotta, and remaining veggies.
Top with remaining sauce, spreading it evenly.
4. Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 1–2 hours, checking at the 3-hour or 1-hour mark to prevent overcooking. Test doneness by pulling a noodle from the center.
5. Add the Final Touch
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella on top. Cover and cook on high until cheese melts, 5–10 minutes.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes & Storage Tips:
Pasta Variations: Recipe tested with whole wheat pasta; adjust cooking time if using white noodles.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or oven with extra broth or sauce to prevent drying.
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