Slow Cooker Pizza Pastabake

Introducing the ultimate comfort food mashup: Slow Cooker Pizza Pastabake. If you’ve ever found yourself torn between ordering pizza or pasta at an Italian restaurant, this recipe is your answer.

Can you make pasta bake in a slow cooker?

This slow cooker pasta bake is a game-changer. It’s an easy way to cook pasta without boiling it separately. Just throw everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work – perfectly cooked, cheesy, and packed with flavour.

Will the pasta go mushy in the slow cooker?

For best results, cook the pasta bake on high for 1.5 to 2 hours, checking the texture around the 90-minute mark. Using uncooked pasta works well, as it absorbs the sauce and flavour while it cooks.

Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?

No, the beauty of this slow cooker pizza pasta bake is that there’s no need to pre-cook the pasta. Just add it in dry with your sauce, cheese, and pizza toppings. The pasta cooks in the sauce, soaking up all the delicious flavours.

What toppings work best in pizza pasta?

The great thing about this recipe is how customisable it is. Try classic pizza toppings like pepperoni, cooked sausage, ham, mushrooms, peppers, or olives. You can make it meaty or vegetarian depending on your preference.

Can I make this pasta bake vegetarian?

Yes. Just skip the meat and use your favourite veggies like mushrooms, peppers, olives, sweetcorn, or spinach. Make sure your cheese and sauce are vegetarian-friendly too.

Is this recipe family-friendly?

Definitely. This slow cooker pizza pasta bake is always a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s cheesy, saucy, and full of flavour—what’s not to love?

Can I freeze slow cooker pasta bake?

Yes, you can freeze it, but the texture of the pasta may soften slightly upon reheating. For best results, store in airtight containers, allow to cool fully, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat until piping hot throughout.

What type of pasta should I use?

Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best. They hold their shape well in the slow cooker and soak up the sauce beautifully.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep all your ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. When ready, just throw everything into the slow cooker and let it cook.

Is it really like pizza and pasta in one?

This recipe gives you the cheesy, tomato-rich flavours of pizza, combined with hearty pasta and all your favourite toppings. It’s the best of both worlds and perfect for a midweek meal or weekend comfort food. If you enjoy recipes like this, remember to pick up a copy of my latest slow cooker book Slow Cooker Even Easier or my my first ever cookbook The Healthy Slow Cooker Book.

@boredoflunch

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