Slow Cooker Meatball & Chorizo Pasta

Whether you’re craving a cosy meal for a chilly evening or hosting a casual gathering with friends, this easy slow cooker meatball and chorizo pasta dish is sure to impress.

Can you cook pasta in a slow cooker?

Yes, but timing is key! In this slow cooker meatball and chorizo pasta recipe, the pasta is added towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy. It soaks up the sauce beautifully and cooks to perfection.

Do I need to brown the meatballs first?

You don’t have to – especially if you’re short on time. That said, browning them quickly in a pan can add extra flavour and help them hold their shape. If you’re using ready-made or frozen meatballs, you can add them straight in.

What kind of chorizo should I use?

Spanish cured chorizo (the firm, sliceable type) works best in this recipe. It adds a rich, smoky flavour that infuses into the sauce as it simmers in the slow cooker.

How long does meatball and chorizo pasta take in the slow cooker?

Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, adding the pasta during the last 30–40 minutes so it cooks just right.

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes! Frozen meatballs are perfect for this recipe. Just pop them into the slow cooker straight from the freezer—no need to defrost first.

Will the pasta go soggy in the slow cooker?

Not if you add it at the right time. For best results, add the pasta during the final 30–40 minutes of cooking and keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook.

Can I make this pasta dish spicy?

Absolutely. Chorizo adds a mild kick, but you can boost the heat with chilli flakes, fresh chilli, or a splash of hot sauce depending on your taste.

What type of pasta works best in the slow cooker?

Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best. They cook evenly and hold their shape well in the sauce.

Is this recipe suitable for batch cooking?

You can double the quantities to feed a crowd or portion it out and freeze for quick, delicious meals later. Just note that pasta may soften more after freezing and reheating.

Can I freeze this dish?

You can freeze the sauce and meatballs separately before adding the pasta. Cooked pasta can be frozen too, but for best texture, consider cooking fresh pasta when reheating. For more slow cooker recipes you can pick up my first ever cookbook The Healthy Slow Cooker Book or my latest slow cooker book Slow Cooker Even Easier on Amazon today.

@boredoflunch

Slowcooker Meatball and Chorizo pasta – 697 cals and just £2 per serving #foryou #fyp #viral #slowcookerrecipe #slowcooker #crockpot #fypシ Ingredients: – Meatballs you can buy pre-made or mix 500g beef, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp Italian herbs and 2 eggs 🥩 – 75g chorizo – Fresh basil 🌿 – 4 x Garlic cloves 🧄 – 1 onion 🧅 – 1 tsp mild chilli powder 🌶️ – 1 fresh chilli to add heat 🌶️ – 2 tbsp Sun-dried tomatoes 🍅 – 700g passata 🍅 – 3 tbsp tomato purée 🍅 – 1 tbsp dried oregano 🌿 – 1 sprig of fresh thyme 🍃 – Fresh sage 🍃 – 900ml of chicken stock (you may need less depending on your pasta type) – 350g pasta of your choice, penne, linguini or spaghetti. I used Frescine – Salt and pepper – 100ml red wine 🍷 – Parmesan to top

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