When the week gets busy and dinner needs to be both comforting and effortless, crockpot pizza pasta is the perfect go-to meal. This easy, cozy weeknight dinner idea combines your favorite pizza flavors with hearty pasta, all slow-cooked to cheesy, saucy perfection.
You’ll love how simple it is to toss everything into the crockpot and come home to a bubbling dish that feels homemade and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this crockpot pizza pasta recipe hits the spot every time.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off cooking with minimal prep work
- Combines classic pizza flavors with comforting pasta
- Slow cooker makes it perfect for busy weeknights
- Family-friendly and easily customizable
- Leftovers reheat well for quick lunches or dinners
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make your crockpot pizza pasta come together with ease and flavor.
- 12 ounces penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
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Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours on low or 1.5 hours on high
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (low) or 1 hour 40 minutes (high)
- Servings: 6
- Calories: Approximately 480 per serving
How to Make Crockpot Pizza Pasta | Easy Cozy Weeknight Dinner Idea
- Start by browning the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- In the crockpot, combine the marinara sauce, water, garlic powder, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir well.
- Add the uncooked penne pasta and cooked sausage to the sauce mixture. Stir to coat the pasta evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 hours or on high for 1.5 hours, stirring once halfway through cooking to prevent sticking. The pasta should be tender but not mushy.
- About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Cover and let the cheese melt and become gooey.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Tips for the Best Results
- Choose a pasta shape like penne or rigatoni that holds up well in the crockpot.
- Don’t add too much water; just enough to cook the pasta without making it soupy.
- Stir halfway through cooking to ensure even pasta cooking and avoid sticking.
- Use cooked sausage to avoid excess grease and ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Customize by adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for tasty next-day meals.
For freezing, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While penne works well, rigatoni, rotini, or shells are great alternatives that hold up nicely in the crockpot without turning mushy.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or add extra veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can brown the sausage and prep the sauce mixture a day ahead, then refrigerate. Add pasta and cook in the crockpot when ready for a fresh meal.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
Stirring the pasta halfway through cooking is key to preventing sticking. Also, ensure there is enough liquid to fully cook the pasta without drying out.