A slow cooker can take care of a rich sauce, tender chicken, or a pot of soup while you get on with your day. These crockpot pasta recipes give you 19 ways to turn that head start into dinner, from cheesy ziti and creamy penne to meatballs, tortellini, and lemon chicken orzo soup.
Some recipes cook the pasta in the crockpot, while others ask you to boil it separately and stir it in near the end. Check that step before you start, then choose a dish that fits your schedule. Add a green salad or vegetables, and dinner is covered.
1. Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika give this creamy chicken pasta a warm, smoky flavor. Red bell pepper adds sweetness, while cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan make a rich sauce. Boil the penne separately and fold it in at the end to keep its bite. Finish with chopped parsley.
Bring some spice to dinner with this Cajun chicken penne pasta.
2. Crockpot Baked Ziti
Ground beef, marinara, and tomato sauce give this ziti a hearty red sauce. The dry pasta cooks directly in the crockpot, so there is no separate pot of boiling water. Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan go on near the end for a soft, cheesy finish. Let it rest briefly before scooping.
See how to make this slow cooker baked ziti dinner.
3. Crockpot Chicken Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta
Cooked shredded chicken, spinach, and creamy ricotta fill these easy lasagna layers. No-boil noodles soften in marinara sauce while mozzarella and Parmesan melt over the top. It is a useful option when you want lasagna without heating the oven. A short rest helps the layers hold together when served.
Follow the steps for this chicken spinach lasagna with ricotta cheese.
4. Crockpot Crack Chicken Penne Pasta
Ranch seasoning flavors the chicken as it cooks with broth and cream cheese. Shredded cheddar turns the cooking liquid into a creamy sauce, and cooked penne gets folded through it. Crisp bacon and sliced green onions bring a smoky bite and fresh finish. Save some bacon for the top.
Find the full method for this creamy ranch chicken penne pasta.
5. Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Buffalo wing sauce gives this rotini dinner its tangy heat. The chicken cooks first, then cream cheese softens into the hot liquid. Cheddar and ranch dressing round out the sauce when the cooked pasta goes in. Boiling the rotini separately keeps those spirals from getting too soft.
Add this buffalo chicken pasta with ranch to your next weeknight dinner plan.
6. Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Homemade beef meatballs cook gently in marinara without a separate browning step. Milk-soaked breadcrumbs help them stay tender, while oregano adds flavor to the sauce. Boil the spaghetti near serving time, then toss everything together gently. Parmesan and parsley finish a familiar dinner that pairs well with salad.
Get the recipe for slow cooker spaghetti with homemade beef meatballs here.
7. Slow Cooker Cheddar Chili Mac
Browned ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and bell pepper make a hearty chili base. Elbow macaroni goes in near the end and cooks right in the sauce. Stir in sharp cheddar after turning off the heat, then top the bowls with more cheese and scallions. Serve before the pasta softens.
Make a batch of this slow cooker cheddar chili mac.
8. Paula Deen’s Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Sharp cheddar, sour cream, and condensed cheese soup give this macaroni plenty of richness. Eggs create a soft, custardy texture that works well as a side dish. Briefly boil the elbows first, then let the slow cooker finish them on low. There is no toasted crust to watch over.
Try Paula Deen’s crockpot mac and cheese beside your favorite chicken.
9. Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup
Browned Italian sausage brings savory flavor to a tomato broth with garlic and herbs. Refrigerated cheese tortellini goes in late, followed by spinach and heavy cream. The result is a filling soup with tender pasta pockets and a smooth, creamy broth. Add Parmesan and parsley to each bowl.
Warm up with this sausage tortellini soup from the crockpot for dinner.
10. Crockpot Meatballs and Tortellini Soup
Fully cooked meatballs make this tomato soup simple to put together. Carrots, celery, onion, and garlic cook in the broth before cheese tortellini joins them near the end. Spinach and Parmesan finish the pot without a heavy cream base. Keep extra broth handy for leftovers, since the pasta absorbs liquid.
Spoon up this crockpot soup with meatballs and cheese tortellini.
11. Crockpot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten this chicken soup without adding cream. Carrots, celery, onion, thyme, and oregano flavor the broth as the chicken cooks. Shred the meat, then add dry orzo near the end so it stays tender. Parsley adds a fresh finish to each warm bowl.
Choose this lemon chicken orzo soup when you want a lighter dinner.
12. Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken, carrots, celery, and onion cook in a broth flavored with thyme and a bay leaf. Egg noodles go in after the chicken is shredded, keeping their cooking time short. A little lemon juice brightens the finished soup. It is a familiar choice for a simple dinner with bread.
Keep this slow cooker chicken noodle soup in your meal rotation.
13. Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning give this chicken tortellini plenty of flavor. The chicken cooks before refrigerated cheese tortellini and a cream mixture go into the pot. Parmesan and fresh basil finish the sauce. Serve promptly so the filled pasta stays tender and holds its shape.
Explore this creamy chicken tortellini with sun-dried tomatoes for your next pasta night.
14. Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Cream of chicken and mushroom soups form the base of this cheesy spaghetti. Tomatoes with green chiles add a little tang, while onion and green pepper cook alongside the chicken. Stir in boiled spaghetti, cheddar, and reserved pasta water after shredding the meat. The sauce coats every strand.
Put this crockpot chicken spaghetti with cream cheese on your dinner list.
15. Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Ground beef, green bell peppers, and onion bring cheesesteak-inspired flavor to this penne dinner. Worcestershire sauce deepens the savory broth, while cream cheese and provolone turn it creamy near the end. Cook the pasta separately and fold it through the sauce. No extra topping is needed before serving.
Change up pasta night with this crockpot Philly cheesesteak pasta with provolone.
16. Crockpot White Lasagna Soup
Broken lasagna noodles, shredded chicken, and spinach fill this creamy white soup. Mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan add richness, with the dairy stirred in after the noodles become tender. It has the flavors of white chicken lasagna without the work of layering. Finish individual bowls with reserved ricotta and parsley.
Ladle out this crockpot white lasagna soup for a cozy dinner.
17. Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Buffalo wing sauce and dill season the chicken before this dish gets its cheesy finish. Cream cheese, milk, sharp cheddar, and Monterey Jack make a smooth sauce for cooked elbow macaroni. Scallion greens add a fresh bite over the top. Serve soon after mixing to keep the elbows saucy.
Find your next comfort meal in this buffalo chicken macaroni recipe.
18. Crockpot Chicken Alfredo with Jar Sauce
Jarred Alfredo sauce keeps the shopping list short for this creamy chicken dinner. A little broth and garlic powder flavor the base while the chicken cooks. Cut the cooked meat into pieces, then fold in boiled penne and finely grated Parmesan. Reserved pasta water loosens the sauce if needed.
Take a shortcut with this crockpot chicken Alfredo using jar sauce.
19. Crock Pot Angel Chicken
Dry Italian dressing mix gives this chicken its herb flavor. Cream cheese, butter, condensed cream of chicken soup, and broth make a rich sauce with very little prep. Shred the cooked chicken, then gently fold in separately boiled angel hair. Parsley finishes the dish while the thin strands stay distinct.
Serve this Crock Pot Angel Chicken for a creamy dinner.
Final Thoughts
These crockpot pasta recipes offer plenty of ways to change up dinner without starting from scratch each night. Choose a tomato sauce when you want something hearty, a creamy chicken pasta for a richer meal, or a broth-based soup when you prefer a lighter bowl.
Pay close attention to when the pasta and cheese go in. Those final steps help keep noodles tender and sauces smooth. Have your side dish ready before combining everything, since most of these meals taste best soon after the pasta is added. Save a few favorites, check your pantry, and build next week’s menu around them.