Here’s a comforting, dump-and-go Crockpot Meatball Penne Pasta—perfect for an easy family meal with minimal effort.
🍝 Crockpot Meatball Penne Pasta
🧾 Ingredients
- 500 g frozen or fresh meatballs
- 2 cups penne pasta (uncooked)
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups water or broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
🔪 Instructions
1. Add to crockpot
- Place meatballs in the crockpot
- Pour in marinara sauce and water/broth
- Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper
- Stir gently
2. Cook the meatballs
- Cover and cook on:
- Low for 4–5 hours, OR
- High for 2–3 hours
3. Add pasta
- Stir in uncooked penne pasta
- Make sure pasta is mostly submerged in liquid
4. Cook pasta
- Cook on High for 20–30 minutes
- Stir once or twice so pasta doesn’t stick
5. Add cheese
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top
- Cover and let melt for 5–10 minutes
🍽️ Serve
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley
- Pair with garlic bread or a simple salad
🔥 Tips
- If it looks dry, add a splash of hot water or broth
- Don’t overcook pasta—it can get soft quickly in a crockpot
- You can use chicken or beef meatballs
Want a creamy Alfredo version or a spicy arrabbiata twist? I can share that too.
