Slow Cooker Italian Noodles
There’s something magical about a slow cooker meal—the kind where you toss everything in, let time work its magic, and end up with a dish so rich and flavorful you’d swear it took hours of effort. These Slow Cooker Italian Noodles are exactly that! Imagine tender pasta, a savory tomato sauce, and melted cheese, all coming together in one warm, comforting bowl. Trust me, this is the kind of meal that makes you want to grab a big fork and dig right in!
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Italian Noodles
Versatile Works as a weeknight dinner, meal prep option, or potluck favorite.
Budget-Friendly Uses simple pantry staples to create a dish that tastes gourmet.
Quick and Easy The slow cooker does all the hard work, so you don’t have to!
Customizable Add meat, veggies, or extra cheese—make it your own!
Crowd-Pleasing Everyone from kids to adults will love this comforting Italian classic.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Slow Cooker Italian Noodles
This dish is all about simple, hearty ingredients that pack in maximum flavor!
Pasta The star of the dish—choose your favorite shape for the perfect bite.
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage Adds a rich, savory depth to the sauce.
Onion & Garlic These aromatics build the foundation of flavor.
Tomato Sauce & Crushed Tomatoes A slow-cooked, flavorful base for the noodles.
Italian Seasoning A blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary brings authentic Italian flavors.
Beef Broth Adds extra depth and keeps everything perfectly saucy.
Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese Melts into the dish for a cheesy, gooey bite.
Salt & Black Pepper Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking—your slow cooker is about to do something amazing!
Brown the Meat In a skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Layer the Ingredients In the slow cooker, add cooked meat, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.
Let It Simmer Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, letting the flavors meld together.
Add the Pasta Stir in uncooked pasta and beef broth, then cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Melt the Cheese Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top, cover, and cook until melted.
Serve & Enjoy Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve hot!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
Calories per serving Approx. 450-500 calories
(Note: Nutrition values may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4-6 hours (plus 30 minutes for pasta)
Total Time 4 hours 40 minutes – 6 hours 40 minutes
How to Serve Slow Cooker Italian Noodles
This dish pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic Bread Because you need something to scoop up all that sauce!
- A Crisp Green Salad A light side to balance the rich, hearty pasta.
- Steamed Vegetables Try roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Extra Cheese Grate some fresh Parmesan on top for extra indulgence.
- Red Wine A glass of Chianti or Merlot pairs beautifully with this meal.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta Add it towards the end to keep it from getting mushy.
- Make It Creamy Stir in a little heavy cream or ricotta cheese before serving.
- Use Different Meats Try ground turkey, chicken, or even meatballs instead of beef.
- Boost the Flavor Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat!
- Vegetarian Option Skip the meat and add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use pre-cooked pasta?
It’s best to cook the pasta directly in the slow cooker, so it absorbs all the flavors.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Just let it cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
4. What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni works best.
5. Can I use jarred marinara sauce?
Yes! Swap out the tomato sauce for your favorite store-bought marinara.
6. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
7. Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yes! Simmer the sauce on the stovetop for 30-40 minutes, then add the pasta and cook until tender.
8. Can I add more veggies?
Definitely! Try bell peppers, spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
9. What’s the best cheese for this dish?
Mozzarella, Parmesan, or provolone are all great choices.
10. Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Italian Noodles recipe is the perfect set-it-and-forget-it comfort food. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, meal prep, or a potluck, it’s sure to be a hit. With its rich, hearty sauce, tender pasta, and gooey cheese, every bite is pure Italian comfort. Give it a try—you’ll be making this one on repeat!
PrintSlow Cooker Italian Noodles
Slow Cooker Italian Noodles is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender noodles with a rich tomato-based sauce infused with Italian herbs and spices. This easy, set-it-and-forget-it recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a comforting meal without the hassle of stovetop cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) / 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: ~7 hours
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
– 8 oz (225g) egg noodles or spaghetti
– 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
– 1/2 cup beef broth or water
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or sausage) with chopped onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Transfer the cooked meat mixture to the slow cooker.
3. Add garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, add the uncooked noodles directly into the slow cooker. Stir to coat them in the sauce.
6. Cover and cook for another 20-30 minutes until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, then cover for 5 minutes to melt.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy!
Notes
– If using spaghetti, break it in half before adding it to the slow cooker to prevent clumping.
– Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
– For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream before serving.
– Serve with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
