5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Baked-Style Pasta
This 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Baked-Style Pasta is the ultimate easy crockpot dinner for busy nights when you want something warm, filling, and homemade without standing over the stove. Instead of boiling pasta or turning on the oven, everything cooks together right in the slow cooker, creating a rich, cheesy, baked-style pasta casserole with almost no effort.
With tender noodles, savory marinara sauce, and layers of gooey melted cheese, this no-boil slow cooker pasta recipe delivers all the comfort of a traditional baked ziti or pasta casserole minus the extra dishes. It’s a lifesaver for hectic weeknights, potlucks, and family dinners when you need a budget-friendly, hands-off meal everyone will happily eat.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pasta Recipe:
No boiling required dry pasta goes straight into the crockpot
Only 5 simple ingredients you likely already have
Hands-off cooking perfect for busy families
Kid-approved & crowd-friendly comfort food
Rich, cheesy baked-style texture without using the oven
Great for meal prep, potlucks, and leftovers
Servings: 6
Cook Time: 2–3 hours (LOW)
Ingredients:
12 oz dry short pasta (penne, ziti, or rotini)
3 cups marinara or pasta sauce
2 cups water or low-sodium broth
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
Lightly grease a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray or oil to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, combine the dry pasta, marinara sauce, and water or broth, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated.
Spread half of the pasta mixture into the slow cooker.
Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan.
Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the remaining cheeses.
Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours, checking around the 2-hour mark to avoid overcooking.
Once the pasta is tender and the cheese is fully melted, turn off the slow cooker and let it rest for 5–10 minutes to set.
Serve warm and enjoy that cozy, baked-pasta goodness.
Easy Variations & Pro Tips:
Extra flavor: Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or onion powder
Protein boost: Use a meat-based sauce or stir in cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken
Extra cheesy: Sprinkle more mozzarella during the last 10 minutes
Veggie add-in: Stir in baby spinach or frozen peas near the end of cooking
Best pasta shapes: Stick with sturdy short pasta like penne or rotini to avoid mushy results
This slow cooker baked pasta casserole is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or looking for a cozy, no-stress dinner, this easy crockpot pasta recipe delivers every time.
