Crockpot Pasta Recipes (Creamy & Cheesy)

There’s something magical about pasta, isn’t there? It’s the ultimate comfort food—especially when it’s warm, creamy, cheesy, and made in a crockpot. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want something rich and satisfying after a long day, these crockpot pasta recipes bring all the comfort of traditional pasta night with none of the hassle.

Forget the stovetop boiling, multiple pots, or constant stirring. These slow cooker pasta dishes are simple, budget-friendly, and big on flavor. And yes—no pork, no bacon, no wine or alcohol—just wholesome ingredients and indulgent cheesy goodness that everyone can enjoy.

From chicken Alfredo to veggie-packed lasagna soup, this collection of creamy and cheesy crockpot pasta recipes is your one-way ticket to weeknight dinner bliss.

Why You’ll Love These Crockpot Pasta Recipes

• One-pot magic: No need to pre-cook the pasta in most recipes.

• Ultra comforting: Rich, creamy sauces with melty cheese throughout.

• Kid-approved: Simple, familiar flavors that picky eaters love.

• Meal-prep friendly: Easy to double and reheat.

• Budget-wise: Uses pantry staples and affordable proteins.

Creamy Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

The ultimate creamy classic—made easier than ever in your slow cooker.

Ingredients:

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 3 cups uncooked penne or rotini pasta

• 1½ cups milk (dairy or unsweetened almond milk)

• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Optional: 2 cups fresh spinach (add at the end)

Instructions:

1. Add chicken breasts, broth, garlic, and Italian seasoning to the crockpot.

2. Cook on low for 4 hours or until chicken is tender.

3. Shred the chicken and return to the crockpot.

4. Stir in pasta, milk, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt. Cover and cook on high for 25–35 minutes, stirring once or twice.

5. Once pasta is tender, stir in mozzarella and optional spinach. Cover for 5 more minutes.

6. Serve hot with more Parmesan on top.

Slow Cooker Cheesy Lasagna Pasta

All the flavor of lasagna, none of the layering.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground turkey or ground chicken

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

• 2½ cups uncooked pasta (fusilli or penne)

• 1½ cups ricotta cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan

• 1 tsp oregano

• 1 tsp basil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 cups water or low-sodium broth

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add turkey/chicken and cook until browned. (Skip this step if you want a true dump-and-go meal.)

2. Add cooked meat mixture to the crockpot along with sauce, water/broth, pasta, and dried herbs.

3. Cover and cook on high for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is cooked.

4. Dollop ricotta over the top and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover for 10 more minutes.

5. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Pasta

Like your favorite soup—but with pasta.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups uncooked macaroni or small shells

• 3 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth

• 2 cups chopped broccoli florets

• 1½ cups milk or dairy-free alternative

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add pasta, broccoli, broth, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt to the crockpot.

2. Cook on high for 30–40 minutes, stirring once or twice.

3. Once pasta is al dente, stir in milk and cheeses.

4. Cover and cook for another 10–15 minutes until creamy and smooth.

5. Serve warm with a sprinkle of extra cheddar.

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta (Vegetarian)

A smooth, rich tomato cream sauce with fresh basil and gooey cheese.

Ingredients:

• 2½ cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

• 2½ cups vegetable broth

• 1 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened almond)

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp dried basil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: 1 handful fresh basil, chopped

Instructions:

1. Add pasta, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, garlic, and basil to crockpot.

2. Stir and cook on high for 30–45 minutes until pasta is cooked.

3. Stir in milk, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

4. Cook for another 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.

5. Top with fresh basil and serve.

Crockpot White Mac & Cheese

Ultra creamy and comforting, this is a twist on the classic favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

• 3 cups milk (whole or almond)

• 1½ cups shredded white cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

• Optional: peas or steamed broccoli

Instructions:

1. Lightly oil the crockpot insert. Add uncooked pasta and milk.

2. Stir in cheeses, yogurt, and seasonings.

3. Cook on low for 1½–2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.

4. Add more milk if needed for creaminess.

5. Stir in peas or broccoli at the end (optional).

Extra Creamy Veggie Alfredo Pasta

Perfect for meatless Mondays—loaded with veggies and creamy Alfredo flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups uncooked penne

• 1 zucchini, chopped

• 1 bell pepper, diced

• 1½ cups mushrooms, sliced

• 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)

• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella

• ¾ cup grated Parmesan

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add pasta, broth, milk, veggies, garlic, and seasonings to crockpot.

2. Cook on high for 30–45 minutes, stirring halfway through.

3. Stir in cheese and cook an additional 10–15 minutes.

4. Serve hot with fresh herbs.

Crockpot Pasta FAQs

Can I use any type of pasta in the slow cooker?
Short-cut pasta like penne, rotini, shells, and elbows work best. Avoid long pasta unless broken into smaller pieces. Whole grain or gluten-free pasta may need slight timing adjustments.

Do I need to cook the pasta before adding it?
No! Most of these recipes are designed to cook pasta directly in the sauce. Just be sure there’s enough liquid and stir once or twice to prevent sticking.

How do I prevent mushy pasta?
Check pasta doneness at the 30-minute mark when cooking on high. Stir occasionally and avoid overcooking.

Can I freeze crockpot pasta meals?
Creamy pasta doesn’t freeze as well due to dairy separation, but some (like tomato-based or chicken Alfredo) can be frozen and reheated gently on the stove with extra milk or broth.

Can I add protein or extra veggies?
Absolutely. Chicken, turkey, lentils, mushrooms, spinach, peas, and bell peppers all work well. Add leafy greens near the end to prevent overcooking.

Weekly Meal Plan Idea with Crockpot Pasta Recipes