Crock Pot Pasta Casserole

Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting with this hearty Crock Pot Pasta Casserole. The flavorful sauce simmers low and slow while you go about your day, then tender pasta and plenty of cheesy goodness are added toward the end. Before you know it, you’ll have a comforting Italian-inspired family dinner on the table. And because I know we don’t all have the same schedule, I’ve included oven instructions, too!

Easy Crock Pot Pasta Casserole Recipe

I know when you think of slow cooking, you naturally want to do everything in the slow cooker. In this case, though, taking a few minutes to brown the sausage before adding it to the crock pot is well worth the extra step. It adds a depth of flavor that makes this casserole especially delicious.

I love this recipe for busy weeknights when you want to get dinner started and then go about your day while the sauce simmers and the flavors develop. It’s also a wonderful choice for Sunday supper, casual family gatherings, or those evenings when you need something hearty and comforting to feed a hungry crowd. Pasta is one of my favorite budget-friendly ways to stretch a meal, and this cheesy casserole definitely sticks to the ribs!

Key ingredients to make simple Crock Pot Pasta Casserole: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card and quantities.)

• Italian Sausage – You can use mild or hot Italian sausage.
• Pepperoni – Pepperoni adds flavor and texture.
• Onion – Onion for an earthy flavor.
• Oil – Olive oil for sautéing the sausage and onion.
• Pasta Sauce – Store-bought marinara sauce (seasoned with garlic, basil and oregano).
• Liquid – Beef stock or beef broth for moisture.
• Pasta – Rigatoni or penne pasta.
• Cheese – Creamy ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese.
• Spices – Garlic salt, dry Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes.
• Fresh Herbs – Fresh Italian parsley adds color and flavor.

How to Make Crock Pot Pasta Casserole Recipe

• Prepare Crock Pot – Spray the crock pot with cooking spray, or line with a crockpot liner.
• Saute Sausage and Onion – Brown sausage and onion in olive oil just until the sausage has browned it doesn’t have to be cooked through. Break sausage into bite size chunks. Drain fat, then arrange on bottom of slow cooker.
• Layer Pepperoni – Cover sausage with pepperoni slices.
• Assemble – To the slow cooker add marinara sauce, broth, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese. Mix the seasonings into the sauce trying not to disturb the sausage.
• Cook – Lock lid in place, simmer per the cooking time inthe recipe \
• Boil Pasta – Cook pasta per directions on box in salted water until al dente.
• Combine – Add cooked pasta, 1 cup shredded cheese and ricotta, if using.
• Shredded Cheese – Top with reserved shredded cheese. Let stand with lid offset just until cheese melts.
• Garnish with reserved Parmesan and fresh parsley and serve.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Crock Pot Pasta Casserole

• Large 5 or 6 quart crockpot.
• Large skillet.
• Knife and cutting board to chop the onion.
• Pasta pot.
• Cheese grater.
• Large spoon.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Protein – This recipe can be adapted using ground sausage, ground beef, ground turkey or chicken sausage. Cook, crumble and add to the crockpot in place of Italian sausage to turn it into a meat sauce.
• Adjust Seasonings – When doing so, you may need to adjust the seasonings adding more as needed since this recipe was developed using Italian sausage. That means that it already includes seasonings such as fennel and red pepper flakes if it’s spicy.
• Spaghetti Sauce – Choose a flavorful marinara sauce and brand that you already enjoy. This is a great place to personalize the flavors!
• Pasta – The best pasta to use for this recipe is a cut tubular pasta, bow tie pasta or jumbo elbow macaroni. Spaghetti or fettuccine doesn’t do quite as well.
• Al Dente Pasta – When cooking the pasta, follow the directions boiling in salted water just until al dente. It will continue to cook in the pasta sauce so, you will want it to maintain a good texture and not over cook.
• Garlic Clove – You can add minced garlic to the onion and sausages. 
• Vegetables – You can add one cup of fresh mushrooms or diced zucchini to the sauce to add another layer of flavor.
• Thicken or Thin the Sauce – At the end of cooking, you can thin the sauce using additional beef stock or pasta water. Likewise, you can thicken the sauce using tomato paste.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store leftover Crock Pot Pasta Casserole in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat in single servings in the microwave or in a casserole dish in a preheated 350°F oven.
• Freezer – You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Pasta Recipes to Make

Other pasta recipes you may also like to add to the menu:

• Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a riff on the popular dish at Chili’s.
• This Saucy Baked Penne Pasta recipe can be fully assembled one day in advance and baked just before serving.
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad can double as a side dish or an entree.
• Alfredo Chicken and Ham Rigatoni is a terrific way to use up leftover holiday ham.
• Southwestern Chicken Cavatappi is a one dish meal.
• Cheesy Skillet Lasagna from The Slow Roasted Italian.

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Helpful Kitchen Items: 

• Oval Crockpot
• Cheese Grater
• Spatula
• Chopping Board and Knives