Slow Cooker Pizza Night Pasta
January 13, 2026
A cheesy, slow-cooked dinner that brings all the pizza flavors to your pasta night!
Pizza night meets pasta night in the best way ever. This Slow Cooker Pizza Night Pasta combines juicy meatballs, pepperoni, marinara, and melty mozzarella with hearty rigatoni for a dinner that feels fun and totally satisfying. It’s a hands-off, cozy-style meal that’s perfect for days when you want something comforting without spending the whole night in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big pizza flavors in an easy slow cooker dinner.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
- Cheesy, saucy, and packed with comfort food vibes.
- Made with simple, family-friendly ingredients.
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
- Great for movie nights, game nights, and casual gatherings.
- A crowd-pleasing pasta recipe everyone loves.
Ingredient Notes
- Meatballs: Frozen keeps this super convenient, but homemade or refrigerated meatballs work too.
- Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade if you have it on hand.
- Pepperoni: Regular or turkey pepperoni both give that classic pizza flavor.
- Pasta: Rigatoni holds the sauce well, but penne or ziti are easy swaps.
- Mozzarella: Freshly shredded melts smoother, but pre-shredded works just fine for weeknight ease.
Quick Prep Notes
Can I use frozen pasta instead of freshly cooked pasta?
Freshly cooked pasta works best because it absorbs the sauce evenly without getting mushy. If using frozen or leftover pasta, thaw and warm it slightly before stirring it in.
Do the meatballs need to be thawed first?
No thawing needed. Frozen meatballs go straight into the slow cooker and heat through perfectly during the cook time.
When should I add the cheese?
Always add the mozzarella at the end so it melts into the pasta instead of disappearing into the sauce.
Slow Cooker Pizza Night Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen meatballs
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 12 oz cooked rigatoni
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Add the meatballs, marinara, Italian seasoning, and pepperoni to your slow cooker.
- Cook on LOW for about 3½ hours, until the meatballs are tender and saucy.
- Stir in the cooked rigatoni and mozzarella.
- Cover and cook for another 15 to 20 minutes, until everything is melty, thick, and perfectly cheesy.
Notes
Make It Your Own
- This recipe is super flexible. Add veggies, swap in turkey pepperoni or sausage, use sliced sausage, turkey sausage, or ham. You can also shred your own cheese or use homemade sauce. It’s one of those easy, customizable dinners that works with whatever you have on hand.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can prep everything except the pasta and cheese earlier in the day. When you’re ready to eat, stir in the cooked pasta and mozzarella and let it warm through.
What pasta shapes work best?
Rigatoni, penne, and ziti hold the sauce well and stay sturdy in the slow cooker.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or onions mix in nicely for extra flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of marinara to keep it saucy.
Can I make this in the oven instead?
Yes. Combine everything except the cheese, bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes, then add mozzarella and bake until melted.
Sprinkle of Fun
Turn this into a full-on weekend Pizza Night. Let the slow cooker do its thing while you cue up a fun movie, grab a few pints of ice cream, and break out the games. Big bowls of cheesy pasta, sweet treats after, and lots of laughs with your favorite people make it the kind of night everyone looks forward to.
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