Craving a creamy, cheesy, and savory pasta dish that requires minimal effort? Crock Pot Million Dollar Pasta is your go-to recipe. This slow cooker meal combines rich flavors, hearty pasta, and melty cheese, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting dinner to feed the whole family. The best part? It’s all made in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze!
1 pound of pasta (penne or rotini works best)
1 jar of marinara sauce (about 24 ounces)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: ground beef, sausage, or vegetables for added flavor
Prepare the Pasta: Cook your pasta according to the package instructions, but slightly undercook it (about 1-2 minutes less than the recommended cooking time). This helps prevent the pasta from becoming too soft as it cooks further in the slow cooker. Drain and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and creamy.
Layer in the Slow Cooker: Grease your slow cooker with a little cooking spray or butter. Add a layer of cooked pasta at the bottom, then pour half of the creamy sauce mixture over the pasta. Repeat the layering with the remaining pasta and sauce. Top the final layer with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, cook on high for 1.5-2 hours if you're short on time.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the pasta is done, give it a quick stir to mix the melted cheese and sauce. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness of Crock Pot Million Dollar Pasta.
Calories: Approximately 979 kcal
Carbohydrates: 74 g
Protein: 58 g
Fat: 49 g
Sodium: 1843 mg
Fiber: 5 g
Sugar: 14 g