Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe brings the flavor of pizza and the comfort of pasta together in one lazy‑day pot. Imagine melty mozzarella, tangy sauce, and a hint of pepperoni swirling around tender penne— all without heating up the oven. This easy, beginner‑friendly dish uses pantry staples you probably already have, making it perfect for a quick weeknight or a budget‑friendly family dinner. Pair it with my Creamy Cajun Shrimp Zoodles Recipe for a surf‑and‑turf twist that’s sure to impress.
Why You'll Love Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe – Easy, Cheesy Weeknight Dinner
Discover the ultimate Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe – a quick, homemade, cheesy dinner that’s ready in 40 minutes. Perfect for busy families! Easy cleanup!!
- One‑pot convenience – less cleanup.
- Cheesy, pizza‑filled flavor that kids adore.
- Ready in 40 minutes – perfect for busy evenings.
- Highly adaptable: swap proteins or add extra veggies.
Ingredients for Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe – Easy, Cheesy Weeknight Dinner
Ground meat: Use lean ground beef for classic taste or turkey sausage for a lighter option.Pizza sauce: Any good-quality jarred sauce works; add extra herbs if you like extra flavor.Pasta shape: Penne holds sauce well, but rotini or fusilli are fine substitutes.
- Ground meat: Use lean ground beef for classic taste or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Pizza sauce: Any good-quality jarred sauce works; add extra herbs if you like extra flavor.
- Pasta shape: Penne holds sauce well, but rotini or fusilli are fine substitutes.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe – Easy, Cheesy Weeknight Dinner are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe – Easy, Cheesy Weeknight Dinner
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Step 1 – Brown the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, crumble and brown the ground beef or turkey sausage. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Drain excess fat.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Step 2 – Layer the crockpot: Add the uncooked penne, browned meat, diced bell pepper, pizza sauce, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir gently to combine.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Step 3 – Cook: Cover and set the crockpot to HIGH for 25 minutes, then switch to LOW and cook an additional 15 minutes, or until pasta is al dente and the cheese is bubbly.
Expert Tips for Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe – Easy, Cheesy Weeknight Dinner
- Toast the pepperoni briefly in the skillet for extra crunch before adding it to the crockpot.
- If the pasta looks dry during cooking, drizzle in a tablespoon of water or broth.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of milk or half‑and‑half at the end.
Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe – Easy, Cheesy Weeknight Dinner
Discover the ultimate Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe – a quick, homemade, cheesy dinner that’s ready in 40 minutes. Perfect for busy families! Easy cleanup!!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian turkey sausage
- 2 cups pizza sauce (store‑bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Red‑pepper flakes
- Fresh basil leaves, torn
- Sliced black olives
Instructions
How to Make Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe
- Step 1 – Brown the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, crumble and brown the ground beef or turkey sausage. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Drain excess fat.
- Step 2 – Layer the crockpot: Add the uncooked penne, browned meat, diced bell pepper, pizza sauce, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 3 – Cook: Cover and set the crockpot to HIGH for 25 minutes, then switch to LOW and cook an additional 15 minutes, or until pasta is al dente and the cheese is bubbly.
- Step 4 – Finish and serve: Stir in the remaining cheese, let it melt (about 5 minutes), then top with pepperoni, red‑pepper flakes, fresh basil, or olives if desired. Serve hot.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe – Easy, Cheesy Weeknight Dinner FAQs
Yes! Assemble the ingredients, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Cook directly from cold; just add 5‑10 extra minutes.
Ground turkey, chicken sausage, or plant‑based ground “meat” work well and keep the dish lighter.
Cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It keeps 3 days in the fridge or 2 months frozen.
Too much liquid or over‑cooking can cause sogginess. Use the recommended pasta amount and keep the lid on for the exact times given.
You Might Also Like
- Pair it with my Creamy Cajun Shrimp Zoodles Recipe
- Try the Chicken Pot Pie Stuffed Sweet Potatoes for a cozy side
- Add a crunch with Loaded Nacho Fries with Ground Turkey
Before You Go
If you try this Crockpot Pizza Pasta Recipe – Easy, Cheesy Weeknight Dinner, I'd love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.