Slow Cooker Pasta

This easy slow cooker 3-ingredient pasta is the perfect answer when you need a comforting dinner without a long ingredient list. With just dry penne, jarred pasta sauce, and broth, you can create a warm, satisfying meal with minimal prep and almost no cleanup.

The slow cooker gently cooks the pasta directly in the savory tomato sauce, allowing the flavors to come together while the pasta becomes tender. It’s an affordable weeknight dinner that works especially well for busy families, meal planning, or those evenings when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dry penne pasta
• 1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce or marinara sauce
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth

Instructions

1. Add the dry penne pasta to the slow cooker.
2. Pour the pasta sauce and broth over the pasta. Stir thoroughly to distribute the sauce and help submerge the pasta as evenly as possible.
3. Cover and cook on HIGH for about 1½ to 2 hours, stirring once or twice during cooking.
4. Check the pasta toward the end of the cooking time. It should be tender, while most of the broth should have been absorbed into the sauce.
5. Turn off the slow cooker and let the pasta rest for 5–10 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken.
6. Serve hot with your favorite simple side dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Slow Cooker Pasta

• Only 3 main ingredients: A simple pantry-friendly dinner with very little preparation.
• Easy weeknight meal: The slow cooker handles most of the work.
• Budget-friendly: Basic pasta, sauce, and broth can make a filling family dinner.
• Minimal cleanup: Everything cooks in one slow cooker.
• Easy to customize: Add vegetables, cooked chicken, beans, or cheese to make it your own.
• Family-friendly: Mild tomato sauce and tender pasta make this an easy meal for the whole family.
• Great comfort food: Warm pasta and rich tomato sauce make this especially satisfying on busy evenings.

Helpful Tips

Choose sturdy pasta: Penne, ziti, and rigatoni are good choices because they hold their shape during slow cooking.

Don’t skip the stirring: Stirring once or twice helps distribute the liquid and prevents some pasta pieces from cooking unevenly.

Keep an eye on the liquid: Slow cookers can vary. If the pasta becomes dry before it is tender, add a small amount of hot broth or water.

Let it rest: A short resting period after cooking allows excess liquid to absorb and gives the sauce a thicker consistency.

Use a flavorful pasta sauce: Since this recipe uses only a few ingredients, a good marinara or tomato-basil sauce makes a noticeable difference.

Easy Variations

Cheesy slow cooker pasta: Stir in grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella after cooking for a creamy, cheesy finish.

Chicken pasta: Add cooked shredded chicken before serving for extra protein.

Vegetable pasta: Stir in cooked spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli for a more substantial meal.

White bean pasta: Add drained and rinsed white beans for extra fiber and plant-based protein.

Spicy pasta: Add red pepper flakes or a little Italian seasoning for more flavor.

What to Serve With Slow Cooker Pasta

Serve this easy pasta with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, steamed green beans, or another simple vegetable. Garlic bread or toasted bread also makes a great addition for soaking up the extra tomato sauce.