🍝 No-Boil Slow Cooker Meatball Pasta Bake

by

INGREDIENTS:

  • 24 oz frozen fully cooked Italian meatballs
  • 12 oz uncooked penne pasta
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 2 cups chicken broth or water
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped

HOW TO MAKE:

  1. Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
  2. Add the frozen fully cooked meatballs to the bottom of the slow cooker.
  3. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs.
  4. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  5. Stir gently until the meatballs are evenly coated in the sauce.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1½–2 hours, until the meatballs are thoroughly heated.
  7. Add the uncooked penne pasta directly into the slow cooker. No boiling required!
  8. Pour in the chicken broth or water and gently stir until the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid.
  9. Cover and cook on HIGH for approximately 30–50 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Check frequently near the end to prevent overcooking.
  10. Once the pasta is tender, stir in 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan.
  11. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly over the pasta and meatballs.
  12. Cover and cook for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese melts into a thick, gooey layer.
  13. Finish with fresh basil or parsley.
  14. Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

COOKING TIPS:

  • Use fully cooked frozen meatballs for this easy recipe.
  • Add the dry pasta near the end, not at the beginning, to prevent mushy noodles.
  • Make sure the pasta is mostly covered with liquid.
  • If the pasta absorbs too much sauce, add 1/4 cup warm broth at a time.
  • Different pasta brands and slow cookers may require slightly different cooking times.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

Servings: 6

Approximate per serving:

  • Calories: 610 kcal
  • Protein: 31 g
  • Carbohydrates: 66 g
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Sodium: 1,050 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the meatballs, pasta, marinara sauce, cheese, and ingredient brands used.

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