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!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 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)
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.
Notes
- Use pasta shapes that hold sauce well, like ziti, penne, or rotini.
- Don’t overcook the pasta as it will cook further in the slow cooker.
- Add ground beef, sausage, or chicken for extra protein.
- Customize the recipe by adding extra cheese for a richer flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 45mg