Ultimate Slow Cooker Pizza Pasta Bake
This Ultimate Slow Cooker Pizza Pasta Bake is a crowd-pleaser that brings together the classic flavors of pizza in a comforting, hearty dish. Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or game day, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also allows for customization with your favorite pizza toppings. With layers of savory Italian sausage, gooey mozzarella, and pepperoni, all enveloped in a rich pizza sauce, it's a meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Make sure to pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete feast!
N/A
Servings
350
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
bulk Italian sausage
1 1/2 lbs (cooked and drained)
rigatoni pasta
3 cups (uncooked)
mozzarella cheese
4 cups (shredded)
onion
1 small (chopped)
pizza sauce
23 ounces (canned (combine a 15-ounce and an 8-ounce can))
pepperoni slices
3 1/2 ounces (pre-sliced)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bulk Italian sausage until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat and set aside.
2
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3
In a 5-quart slow cooker, layer half of the cooked sausage, followed by half of the cooked rigatoni, half of the shredded mozzarella, half of the chopped onion, half of the pizza sauce, and half of the pepperoni slices.
4
Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients.
5
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6
Once cooked, gently stir to mix the layers together before serving. Enjoy your delicious pizza pasta bake!
Nutrition Information
22g
Fat
25g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Slow Cooker Pizza Pasta Bake?
It is a hearty, slow-cooked dish that combines classic pizza flavors like Italian sausage, mozzarella, pepperoni, and pizza sauce with rigatoni pasta.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of rigatoni pasta, which should be cooked to an al dente texture before adding it to the slow cooker.
Do I need to cook the Italian sausage before putting it in the slow cooker?
Yes, you must brown the 1 1/2 lbs of bulk Italian sausage in a skillet and drain the excess fat before layering it in the slow cooker.
How long does the pizza pasta bake take to cook in a slow cooker?
The dish should be cooked on the low setting for 4 to 6 hours until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What size slow cooker is recommended?
A 5-quart slow cooker is ideal for this specific amount of ingredients.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese for a gooey, classic pizza texture.
How much pizza sauce do I need?
You will need 23 ounces of pizza sauce. A common way to get this amount is to combine one 15-ounce and one 8-ounce can.
Is the pasta cooked before going into the crock pot?
Yes, the pasta should be boiled in salted water until al dente and drained before being layered into the slow cooker.
How do I layer the ingredients in the slow cooker?
Layer half of the sausage, rigatoni, mozzarella, onion, sauce, and pepperoni; then repeat the layers once more with the remaining ingredients.
Can I stir the pasta bake while it is cooking?
It is recommended to keep it layered during cooking and then gently stir the layers together just before serving.
What are the nutrition facts for one serving?
One serving contains approximately 350 calories, 22g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 15g of protein.
Can I use pepperoni slices that are not pre-sliced?
Yes, you can use a pepperoni log and slice it yourself; the recipe requires 3 1/2 ounces of pepperoni.
What side dishes go well with this meal?
A fresh green salad or warm garlic bread are excellent sides to pair with this hearty pasta bake.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Absolutely! It is a crowd-pleaser and easy to transport in the slow cooker, making it perfect for potlucks or game days.
Can I customize the pizza toppings?
Yes, this recipe allows for easy customization. You can add your favorite toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one small onion, chopped.
Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
While the recipe specifies Italian sausage for flavor, you can substitute ground beef, though you may want to add Italian seasoning to maintain the flavor profile.
How do I ensure the pasta doesn't get mushy?
Cook the pasta only to 'al dente' (firm to the bite) before slow cooking to prevent it from over-softening.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the sausage and pepperoni or replace them with meatless crumbles and more vegetables.
What category of food does this fall into?
This is considered an Italian-style one-dish meal or comfort food.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The provided nutritional data does not list a specific fiber count, but adding vegetables can increase the fiber content.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional data does not specify sugar content, though most commercial pizza sauces contain a small amount of sugar.
Is this recipe good for a family reunion?
Yes, it is tagged as a great option for family reunions due to its ease of preparation and large serving size.
Can I use a different pasta shape like penne?
Yes, while rigatoni is suggested, penne or rotini would also work well in this bake.
Should the slow cooker be on high or low?
The recipe specifically recommends the low setting for 4-6 hours for the best results.
How much fat is in this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 22 grams of fat.
How much protein is in this recipe?
There are 15 grams of protein per serving.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While mozzarella is traditional for pizza, you can mix in Provolone or Parmesan for extra flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: Italian sausage, rigatoni, mozzarella, onion, pizza sauce, and pepperoni.
Is this a 'one-dish meal'?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal because the main components are all cooked together in the slow cooker.