Who doesn’t love pizza and pasta? Well, imagine combining them into one comforting dish that practically cooks itself in a slow cooker. This Slowcooker Pizza Pasta Bake is one of my favorite recipes, and I bet it will quickly become one of yours too! It’s loaded with all the cheesy goodness you’d expect from pizza, with the heartiness of pasta. Plus, it’s a money-saver, easy to make, and perfect for family dinners. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!

Method in Detail

Start the sauce: To begin, gather all the ingredients for the sauce, including the pepperoni, passata, minced garlic, chili powder, oregano, parsley, and fresh basil. Place them into your slow cooker and stir them together. Set the slow cooker to high heat and let it cook for about 2 hours (or if you prefer, set it on low for 4-5 hours). This is when all the flavors come together, creating a deliciously aromatic base for the pasta. During this time, you can relax and let the slow cooker work its magic.

Add the pasta: Once the sauce has cooked and is full of flavor, it’s time to add the pasta. Stir in the penne pasta and pour in the hot chicken stock. Mix everything well to ensure the pasta is evenly distributed in the sauce. At this point, cover the slow cooker again and continue cooking for an additional 45 minutes on high. After about 35 minutes, give the pasta a stir to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. This step is crucial to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors.

Top it off: After the pasta has finished cooking and is tender, it’s time to finish the dish with a cheesy, flavorful topping. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top of the pasta. Add some extra pepperoni for that pizza-like experience, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh chili slices and basil. Close the lid of the slow cooker and let the cheese melt for about 10-15 minutes. This step will leave you with a gooey, cheesy, and utterly irresistible meal!

Necessary Tools

Slow cooker
Knife
Cutting board
Spoon or spatula
Grater (for the cheese)
Measuring spoons

Slowcooker Pizza Pasta Bake

Recipe by Simon Davies

0.0 from 0 votes

Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

hours

Total time

hours

minutes

Ingredients

200g pepperoni
700g passata
5 garlic cloves , minced
Fresh basil , a handful
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp parsley
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 fresh chili to garnish
350g penne pasta
800ml of hot chicken stock
100g light mozzarella
30g Parmesan
Handful of fresh basil

Directions

Start the sauce: Place the pepperoni, passata, minced garlic, chili, oregano, parsley, and fresh basil into your slow cooker. Set it on high for 2 hours (or low for 4-5 hours). Let all those amazing flavors mingle together while you relax.
Add the pasta: Once the sauce has cooked, stir in the pasta and chicken stock. Mix it well, and cook for an additional 45 minutes on high. Be sure to stir after about 35 minutes to loosen it up and prevent it from sticking.
Top it off: When the pasta is fully cooked and tender, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Add some extra pepperoni, fresh chili slices, and basil for garnish. Close the lid for 10-15 minutes so the cheese can melt into gooey perfection.

Notes

Stir regularly: Be sure to stir the pasta once after about 35 minutes to ensure it cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Adjust the heat: Slow cookers vary in heat, so if you’re unsure, check the dish a little earlier. If it’s looking too thick, add a bit more chicken stock.
Cheese melting time: The cheese should be melted and bubbly. If you’re not seeing that after 10-15 minutes, leave it for a bit longer, keeping the lid on so the heat stays in.

Serving Suggestions

This pizza pasta bake is delicious served on its own, but you can pair it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, or as a hearty dinner after a busy day.

Fun Fact

Did you know that slow cookers were originally called “crock pots”? They were designed to be an easy way to cook meals without standing over the stove, and they’ve become a kitchen staple for busy families around the world!

Conclusion

This Slowcooker Pizza Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food that combines the best of both worlds: pizza and pasta! With just a few ingredients, this dish is packed with flavor and is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something easy and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for the whole family or just yourself, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Enjoy!