The beauty of the Crockpot is that you can mostly just toss everything inside and walk away. These Italian slow cooker recipes are no exception because all you need is to flip a switch to let the magic happen.
Even the pasta cooks right in the pot for most of these dishes. We all know slow cooking is the best way to get your meat super tender.
This list of 23 recipes has you covered whether you want a full-blown lasagna or a rich pasta sauce.
1. Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce
I usually leave sauce cooking for at least an hour when I make it on the stove. Maybe it sits for two hours if I forget about it.
I think it tastes best when it simmers slowly so the ingredients can marry. It makes total sense that the slow cooker is the perfect appliance for this.
You will not need to worry about red splatter marks on your backsplash while it cooks to perfection.
2. Italian Spaghetti Squash
You are really missing out if you have never tried spaghetti squash. It steps in easily as a low carb pasta alternative while being super delicious.
You can shred the cooked flesh just like a cut of pork. It looks exactly like thin noodles as it comes away from the rind.
I typically bake it with lots of garlic and butter, but this recipe gives you a whole meal in one go.
3. Crock Pot Italian Sloppy Joe
You have to try this turkey version if you are looking for a lighter classic sloppy Joe. I love ground chicken and turkey because they are super tasty and wonderfully lean.
You can hardly tell what meat it is when you mix it with fresh cracked pepper, rosemary, crushed tomatoes, and bell peppers.
4. Minestrone Soup
Soup is the best friend of the Crockpot. There is nothing better than putting a bunch of ingredients into a pot with broth and returning to a bowl of goodness.
Minestrone is especially delicious thanks to oodles of herbs, white beans, and little pasta bites.
5. Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
This hunter’s stew is full of home comforts and deeply flavorful. Rabbit used to be the main ingredient since cacciatore means hunter in Italian.
It is now most commonly served with slow cooked chicken. Bell peppers and onions are a must.
I like the earthy taste mushrooms add, but you can make this your own.
6. Slow Cooker Farro with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Farro looks like thick rice, but I think the cooked texture is closer to pasta. It is full of whole grain goodness like fiber and protein while being chewy and slightly nutty.
Farro has a lot more going for it than quinoa, pasta, and rice even though it is not gluten free. It makes a delicious side dish.
You add it to a slow cooker with water, tomatoes, and onion before mixing it with Parmesan cheese.
7. Simple Crock Pot Italian Beef Stew
It is safe to say we have seen the last of the warm weather this year. It is officially soup and stew season.
Nothing is more indulgent and comforting than a hearty beef stew. Red wine provides color, depth, and flavor.
A dark beef broth of good quality will do the trick if you are not a wine lover.
8. Crock Pot Zuppa Toscana
I first ate this at Olive Garden years ago and often think about how good it tasted. The potatoes make it nice and filling.
I love using sausage because it has so much more flavor than plain ground meat. Leave the cream on the counter when you start cooking.
It will be warmer and less likely to curdle when you add it later.
9. Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
Ragu uses red wine to make it extra decadent and is thicker than bolognese sauce. This recipe delivers on the requirement that ragu should be very meaty.
You will use round roast or beef brisket instead of ground beef. It will absolutely melt in your mouth after a few hours in the pot.
10. Soft And Creamy Slow Cooker Polenta
I have a dangerous weakness for polenta. I cannot get enough when it is made with cheese and cream.
You want to cook the polenta in stock first and add the cream at the end just like with rice. I always use lots of freshly grated Parmesan.
You could also use Monterey Jack, gouda, or cheddar.
11. Slow Cooker Risotto with Butternut Squash
This slow cooker risotto makes up for being less creamy than the stovetop version by being incredibly easy to make. It does need to start on the stove because toasting the rice ensures perfect results.
Do not worry about it being less creamy. That is what the goat cheese is for.
12. Crockpot Italian Zucchini Casserole
One thing I love about pasta is its versatility. You can easily swap meat for a vegan alternative or add all kinds of veggies without changing the recipe.
Try using cauliflower rice instead of white or use ground beef tofu. The zucchini will more or less melt into the sauce if you chop it small enough.
Keep it big for a nice added crunch.
13. Easy Crockpot Lasagna Ravioli
Remember those three cheese ravioli I mentioned earlier? They are meant for more than just simple pasta.
You get the cheese and pasta layer all in one if you use them in place of lasagna sheets. The best part is that they go in frozen.
You do not need to cook or thaw them before layering.
14. Slow Cooker Lasagna
Have you ever cooked lasagna in the oven only to have a cold middle and burned edges? Everything cooks at the same time because slow cookers use evenly distributed heat.
You will use raw and crunchy no boil lasagna noodles for this. Just break them up to make them fit into the corners.
15. Crock Pot Pizza Casserole
I prefer to think of this as pizza pasta even though you can call it whatever you like. It is the perfect blend of yummy pizza flavors and hearty pasta.
You use pasta and marinara before loading it up with plenty of pepperoni and lots of cheese. I preferred it without ground meat.
I would add sausage if recreating a meat feast style pizza.
16. Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Soup
I am a little picky and almost always make tomato soup myself after years of eating overly acidic versions. Tomato soup can be incredible when you make it right.
It is like slurping watered down ketchup when you make it wrong. Try roasting fresh tomatoes with garlic and onion to take this to another level.
It adds fantastic depth of flavor.
17. Slow Cooker Meatballs (Italian Style)
Meatballs are a massive favorite in my house regardless of how they come. We adore sweet chili even though I am partial to BBQ glazed.
I have to say that these are way more versatile. You can put them on pizza or use them in a sub for lunch.
You can easily make these with lean turkey since you will likely be drowning them in sauce anyway.
18. Lazy Slow Cooker Eggplant Casserole
My one complaint about eggplant parm is often that the eggplant is mushy and overcooked. The whole dish becomes wet and soft when that happens.
That is why I like this version so much. There is a layer of meatiness in every bite when you add thick portabellos to the mix.
19. Crockpot Stuffed Shells
I remember struggling to get the spoon inside pasta shells. I had a serious facepalm moment when I saw someone using a piping bag.
The great thing about this dish is that you can easily make it ahead. Stuff the shells and keep them in the fridge.
The slow cooker heats everything evenly so you will not need to worry about the middle ones being cold.
20. Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo
Who doesn’t love roasted chicken with al dente pasta and creamy alfredo sauce? It is about as close to perfect as food gets.
It is even better as a Crockpot chicken breast recipe. You will sear the meat before adding it to the pot.
I highly recommend that for maximum flavor. It cooks with garlic, butter, chicken broth, and heavy cream until tender before you add pasta right at the end.
21. Skinny Slow Cooker Chicken Puttanesca
This dish packs a punch with red pepper flakes, anchovies, capers, olives, garlic, and tomatoes. It is salty and acidic without being too much.
I love how the anchovies melt into the sauce. You add sugar to balance the briny taste.
I also added a fair amount of cracked pepper, but remember it does not need extra salt.
22. Slow Cooker Italian Mushrooms
I was pleasantly surprised at how yummy these mushrooms came out. Seeing just three ingredients on the list made me skeptical.
One of those ingredients happens to be Italian dressing mix. My mind immediately went to something loaded with vinegar.
A beautiful medley of spices and herbs makes these mushrooms to die for.
23. Slow Cooker Cheesy Tortellini
Pasta is a safe dinner option that is easy to cook and cheap. You have to try making your next meal with three cheese tortellini if you like extra comfort with your comfort food.
I like to use spinach and cheese tortellini for sneaky added nutrients.