Easy Crockpot Pizza Pasta
Easy crockpot pizza pasta is the ultimate comfort food. I’ve made this recipe dozens of times. The trick I discovered is using a pre-made pasta dough. The golden crust and melty cheese will make your mouth water. Try my Crispy Indian Onion Bhaji for a perfect side. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Crispy Indian Onion Bhaji and Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken Quesadillas.
Why This Easy Crockpot Pizza Pasta Is Pure Comfort
- crispy cheese crust
- creamy tomato sauce
- no oven required
- easy weeknight dinner
What You'll Need for Easy Crockpot Pizza Pasta
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh basil
- Optional: extra mozzarella
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes
📝 Ingredient Notes
- pasta: Use your favorite shape for a personal twist.
- sauce: Marinara adds a great base for the pizza flavor.
- cheese: Mix mozzarella and parmesan for extra depth.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- non-stick crockpot — Prevents sticking and ensures even cooking. → See on Amazon
- measuring cups — Helps with precise ingredient portions. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Crockpot Pizza Pasta
- Step 1: Add penne pasta, marinara sauce, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to a crockpot.
- Step 2: Stir in mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan cheese.
- Step 3: Cook on low for 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Top with fresh basil and extra cheese before serving.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Crockpot Pizza Pasta
- Cooking technique: Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the crockpot.
- Common mistake and fix: If the pasta becomes too dry, add a splash of water or broth.
- Flavor enhancement: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Serving suggestion: Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storing & Reheating Easy Crockpot Pizza Pasta
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: Make up to 2 days in advance and reheat before serving.
Freezing Easy Crockpot Pizza Pasta
Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in 30-second increments until warm.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use a crockpot with a lid to keep the pasta moist while cooking.
- Best substitution: You can use store-bought pizza sauce instead of marinara for a more pizza-like flavor.
- Make-ahead: This recipe can be made ahead and reheated for a quick dinner.
- Scaling: Adjust the ingredients based on the number of servings you need.
- Troubleshooting: If the cheese doesn't melt evenly, stir more frequently during cooking.
Want to level up this recipe?
cast iron skillet — Adds a crispy crust when finishing the pasta. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Crockpot Pizza Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- fresh basil
- extra mozzarella
- crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Add penne pasta, marinara sauce, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to a crockpot.
- Step 2: Stir in mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan cheese.
- Step 3: Cook on low for 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Top with fresh basil and extra cheese before serving.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use a crockpot with a lid to keep the pasta moist while cooking.
- Best substitution: You can use store-bought pizza sauce instead of marinara for a more pizza-like flavor.
- Make-ahead: This recipe can be made ahead and reheated for a quick dinner.
- Scaling: Adjust the ingredients based on the number of servings you need.
- Troubleshooting: If the cheese doesn't melt evenly, stir more frequently during cooking.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in 30-second increments until warm.
- Make ahead: Make up to 2 days in advance and reheat before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sat. Fat: 10g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Crockpot Pizza Pasta FAQs
Yes, you can make it up to 2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container and reheat before serving.
If the pasta becomes too dry, add a splash of water or broth. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Yes, transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
You can use any short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or ziti for a similar texture.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Crockpot Pizza Pasta and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
