Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Meatball Penne
If you’re looking for the ultimate easy slow cooker pasta recipe, this 3-ingredient meatball penne is a true lifesaver. It’s one of those dump-and-go crockpot meals you can start in the morning and come home to a warm, comforting dinner.
With just frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, and penne pasta, this dish creates a rich, flavorful meal where the pasta cooks directly in the sauce—soaking up every bit of that savory goodness. No boiling, no extra dishes, just pure convenience.
Perfect for busy families, meal prep, or anyone craving a quick and budget-friendly dinner idea.
Ingredients
- 1 (24–26 oz) jar marinara or tomato pasta sauce
- 1 (24 oz) bag frozen fully cooked Italian-style meatballs
- 12 oz uncooked penne pasta
Instructions
- Lightly spray your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray (optional for easy cleanup).
- Pour the marinara sauce into the bottom of the crockpot and spread evenly.
- Add the frozen meatballs on top, making sure they are coated with sauce.
- Cover and cook:
- HIGH for 2–2½ hours
- LOW for 4 hours
- Stir the meatballs and sauce together. Add the uncooked penne pasta, pressing it down so it’s mostly covered in liquid.
- If needed, add ½ to ¾ cup hot water to ensure the pasta cooks properly.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 25–40 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until pasta is tender.
- Stir gently, let sit on WARM for 5–10 minutes to thicken, then serve hot.
Serving Ideas
- Top with grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella
- Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks
- Pair with a fresh green salad or sliced cucumbers
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Benefits of This Recipe
Time-Saving
- True set-it-and-forget-it crockpot meal
- No need to boil pasta separately
Budget-Friendly
- Only 3 affordable ingredients
- Great for feeding a family or meal prepping
Minimal Cleanup
- One pot = fewer dishes
- Perfect for busy weeknights
Family-Friendly
- Kid-approved flavors
- Customizable with cheese or spices
Versatile
- Swap in turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter option
- Use different pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini
Variations & Tips
- Use a larger jar of sauce for a more “saucy” pasta
- Add mozzarella or Parmesan for a cheesy finish
- Stir in ricotta for a creamy, lasagna-style twist
- For meal prep: add a splash of water when reheating to keep it moist
