Name: Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta: A Recipe So Good It Feels Like a Million Bucks
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-484316H34M31S
Total time: PT-1H30M
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti); 1 cup ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 4 oz cream cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 cups marinara sauce; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting dish that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor, you absolutely need to try this Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta! This creamy, cheesy pasta is loaded with savory goodness, featuring a combination of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, all melted together to create a velvety sauce that coats every noodle. With the slow cooker doing most of the work, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing meal for any occasion. The best part? It’s packed with so much flavor, you’ll feel like you’re eating something truly luxurious—hence the “million-dollar” name!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s face it—who doesn’t love a big bowl of cheesy pasta? The Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta has all the rich, comforting flavors you crave, plus it’s ridiculously easy to make. Simply throw all your ingredients into the slow cooker and let the magic happen. The slow cooker does all the hard work, infusing the noodles with creamy cheese and sauce as they cook low and slow. The result is an incredibly flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth pasta dish that’s guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s also versatile—add in some ground beef, sausage, or even veggies to make it your own!

Ingredients

Here’s a quick overview of the ingredients for this indulgent pasta dish. Be sure to scroll down for the full list of ingredients and measurements!

Pasta (your favorite kind, like penne, rotini, or ziti)
Ricotta cheese
Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Cream cheese
Italian seasoning
Marinara sauce
Garlic (minced)
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

For the full ingredient list, check below!

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta until it’s just al dente, according to the package instructions. You don’t want to overcook it because it will continue to cook in the slow cooker and you don’t want it to get mushy. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Combine the Cheeses

In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Add in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and give everything a good stir. You want the mixture to be nice and smooth, with the cheeses well incorporated. This cheesy mixture will form the creamy base for your pasta.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In a small pan, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. This step helps to bring out the garlic’s rich, aromatic flavor, which will infuse the entire dish.

Step 4: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

In your slow cooker, start by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Then, layer in half of your cooked pasta, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Top with half of the sautéed garlic and another layer of marinara sauce. Repeat the process with the remaining pasta, cheese, and garlic. Finish with a generous layer of marinara sauce on top. The cheese will melt and blend perfectly with the pasta as it cooks!

Step 5: Cook on Low

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the cheese is fully melted and the pasta is heated through. If you like your pasta a little more golden and bubbly, you can uncover the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once your Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta is ready, give it a final stir and sprinkle with some fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot, and get ready for everyone to rave about this cheesy, creamy pasta dish!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Choose the right pasta: Opt for pasta that holds sauce well, like ziti, penne, or rotini. These shapes will absorb the cheesy sauce and stay sturdy during cooking.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Since the pasta will cook in the slow cooker, make sure it’s al dente when you first add it. This will ensure it doesn’t become too soft or mushy.
Customize with protein: If you want to add some protein, ground beef, Italian sausage, or even rotisserie chicken are great additions. Just cook the meat before adding it to the slow cooker.
Add more cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add extra mozzarella or Parmesan to the layers before cooking. The more cheese, the better!

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and load up the pasta with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. These add both flavor and texture without compromising on deliciousness.
Spicy version: If you like a little heat, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or stirring in some spicy Italian sausage.
Use different pasta shapes: While penne and ziti are popular choices, feel free to try other pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just keep in mind that different pasta shapes will affect the cooking time slightly.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta is a rich and indulgent dish, so it pairs beautifully with lighter sides to balance things out:

Garlic bread: A crispy, buttery garlic bread is the perfect companion to this creamy pasta. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan on top before baking for extra flavor.
Green salad: Pair the pasta with a light green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. The fresh crunch of the salad is a great contrast to the creamy richness of the pasta.
Roasted vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini are great vegetable sides that complement the flavors of the pasta without overwhelming the dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will actually improve as they sit, so don’t hesitate to save some for later!
Freezing: This pasta freezes well, so you can easily make it ahead of time and save it for another meal. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until warmed through. Add a splash of marinara sauce if it’s too dry.

4 FAQs

Can I use no-boil pasta in this recipe? Yes, you can use no-boil pasta if you prefer! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as no-boil pasta tends to cook a little faster than regular pasta.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the point of cooking and store the assembled dish in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking it in the slow cooker.
Can I use a different cheese? Yes, you can substitute the cheeses in this recipe if you prefer. Try using provolone instead of mozzarella, or add some ricotta salata for an extra tangy flavor.
Is this recipe spicy? No, this recipe isn’t inherently spicy. However, you can easily add some heat by using spicy sausage, adding red pepper flakes to the sauce, or even stirring in some chopped jalapeños!

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta is the kind of recipe that will make you feel like you’re dining in a five-star restaurant—except it’s made in your own kitchen and requires little effort! With creamy cheese, hearty pasta, and rich marinara sauce, it’s a meal that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. And the best part? The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with more time to enjoy the delicious results. So, grab your ingredients, get the slow cooker going, and get ready to indulge in a million-dollar meal!

Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta: A Recipe So Good It Feels Like a Million Bucks

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 hours (on low)
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes – 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This creamy, cheesy pasta is loaded with savory goodness, featuring a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese, all melted together to create a velvety sauce that coats every noodle. The slow cooker does all the hard work, making it the perfect weeknight dinner or crowd-pleaser for any occasion. It’s a simple yet indulgent dish packed with flavor!

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta: Cook the pasta to al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Combine the Cheeses: In a large bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Sauté the Garlic: Heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the slow cooker. Then add half of the pasta, half of the cheese mixture, and half of the sautéed garlic. Repeat with the remaining ingredients, ending with a layer of marinara sauce on top.
Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until cheese is melted and pasta is heated through. For a golden finish, uncover the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy: Stir the pasta and cheese mixture, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.