Easy Crockpot Pasta Dinner
Hola, friend! You know those days when you just want something warm, cheesy, and comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s where this Slow Cooker Ziti comes in. It’s creamy, cozy, and every bit as satisfying as traditional baked pasta but with half the effort.
I first tried this version one rainy evening after realizing I didn’t have time for the oven. With a little magic from the slow cooker, the pasta turns tender, the cheese melts into perfection, and the sauce wraps around everything like a big, comforting hug.
It’s one of those family favorites that feels indulgent but fits perfectly into a balanced, macro-friendly meal plan.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time: | 5 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time: | 6 hours 20 minutes |
| Total Time: | 6 hours 25 minutes |
| Servings: | 8 |
| Serving Size: | 1 ¼ cups (310 g) |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Cuisine Type: | Italian-American |
| Best Season to Serve: | All year round |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal prep: Just brown the turkey, dump everything in, and let your slow cooker do the work.
- Healthier comfort food: Packed with lean protein, fiber, and veggies while still tasting indulgent.
- Perfect for meal prep: Makes enough for family dinners or a week of ready-to-go lunches.
- Macro-friendly: Balanced carbs, protein, and fat for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
- Customizable: Add extra veggies or switch up the sauce to make it your own.
Slow Cooker Ziti
- Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Ziti is creamy, comforting, and macro-friendly. Tender pasta, lean turkey, zucchini, spinach, and mozzarella come together in a rich marinara sauce for the ultimate easy crockpot dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 medium zucchini, diced
- 2 (25-ounce) jars tomato basil marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 10 ounces uncooked penne pasta
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 1 3/4 cups part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground turkey, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook 2 to 3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked.
2. Transfer turkey and garlic to the slow cooker. Add diced zucchini, marinara sauce, and water. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
4. Turn the slow cooker to HIGH. Stir in uncooked pasta and spinach, ensuring noodles are fully submerged in sauce. Cook 15 to 20 minutes until pasta is al dente.
5. Stir in 1 cup mozzarella until melted, then sprinkle remaining 3/4 cup on top. Cover for 5 minutes to melt.
6. Serve hot and enjoy with fresh herbs or extra cheese.
Notes
Browning the turkey first adds rich flavor, but you can skip it for convenience.
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check your marinara sauce label.
Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or broccoli for more nutrition.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta, Slow Cooker
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/4 cups (310 g)
- Calories: 374
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 750
- Fat: 13.5
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 39.5
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 24.5
- Cholesterol: 70
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 medium zucchini, diced
- 2 (25-ounce) jars tomato basil marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups water
- 10 ounces uncooked penne pasta
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 1 ¾ cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Ground turkey | Use lean turkey for a lighter yet flavorful base. |
| Garlic | Freshly minced garlic gives a richer, bolder taste. |
| Zucchini | Dice evenly so it cooks consistently with the sauce. |
| Marinara sauce | Use your favorite brand, or choose low-sugar for macro control. |
| Penne pasta | Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta also works perfectly. |
| Spinach | Add it at the end to retain its vibrant color and nutrients. |
| Mozzarella cheese | Use part-skim for a creamy texture without too much fat. |
| Olive oil | Helps brown the meat and adds subtle flavor. |
| Water | Keeps the pasta from drying out and ensures perfect texture. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the turkey: In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. This step locks in flavor and gives the meat a nice texture.
- Transfer to the slow cooker: Move the turkey and garlic mixture to your slow cooker. Add the diced zucchini, marinara sauce, and water. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours. The sauce will thicken, and the flavors will meld beautifully.
- Add pasta and spinach: After 6 hours, turn the slow cooker to HIGH. Stir in the uncooked pasta and spinach, making sure the noodles are fully submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook for another 15 to 20 minutes until the pasta is al dente.
- Add the cheese: Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella until it melts into the sauce. Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup over the top, then cover for another 5 minutes to let it get melty and delicious.
- Serve and enjoy: Scoop into bowls, garnish with extra cheese or herbs if you’d like, and serve warm.
Helpful Tips
- Make sure the noodles are completely covered in sauce to cook evenly.
- For more protein, add cooked chicken breast or Italian chicken sausage.
- Skip browning the turkey if you’re short on time; the slow cooker will still cook it through.
- To add more vegetables, toss in broccoli, cauliflower, or mushrooms.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Avoid overcooking the pasta: Check it at 15 minutes; every slow cooker runs slightly differently.
- Use good-quality sauce: The marinara you choose makes a big difference in flavor and thickness.
- Stir before serving: Mixing redistributes the cheese and sauce for that perfect creamy consistency.
- Balance your macros: Add a side salad or roasted vegetables to round out your meal.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian version: Skip the turkey and add chickpeas or lentils for plant-based protein.
- Spicy ziti: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the sauce for extra kick.
- Creamy Alfredo twist: Swap half the marinara for a light Alfredo sauce.
- Three-cheese ziti: Mix mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta for an extra indulgent variation.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
This recipe reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep. Store cooked ziti in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. For freezing, cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe dish, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of water if needed to restore creaminess.
If you’re craving something bold and flavorful, don’t miss my Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma. It’s tender, perfectly seasoned, and brings those amazing Mediterranean aromas right into your kitchen. Pair it with this Slow Cooker Ziti for a fun mix of comfort and global flavor that keeps dinner exciting all week long
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Slow Cooker Ziti with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a full, balanced meal. It’s also perfect on its own when you need something quick and comforting after a busy day.
Pairing Ideas
Pair it with a glass of red wine like Merlot or a sparkling water with lemon. If you prefer lighter sides, a cucumber tomato salad or steamed green beans adds freshness to the creamy pasta.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce creamy. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or microwave covered for 1 to 2 minutes. The pasta will soften slightly over time but still tastes amazing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Yes, but it may need an extra few minutes to cook through.
Can I skip browning the turkey?
You can, though browning adds a richer flavor. If you skip it, mix everything directly in the slow cooker.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check your marinara sauce label for gluten.
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely. Ground chicken or shredded cooked chicken works just as well.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, if your slow cooker is large enough. Add a little extra water or sauce to keep it moist.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, ricotta, Parmesan, or even vegan cheese alternatives melt beautifully here.
Why is my pasta mushy?
It probably cooked too long. Next time, check it earlier, as some slow cookers run hotter.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size: | 1 ¼ cups (310 g) |
|---|---|
| Calories: | 374 kcal |
| Protein: | 24.5 g |
| Carbohydrates: | 39.5 g |
| Fat: | 13.5 g |
| Fiber: | 4 g |
| Sugar: | 6 g |
| Sodium: | 750 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Ziti is everything you love about pasta night, made even easier. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with protein and veggies, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Whether you’re feeding your family or stocking up on leftovers, this recipe proves that comfort food can fit right into your healthy routine.
