Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen on busy weeknights? Look no further! Crockpots are a busy cook’s best friend, and when combined with the flavors of Italy, they can create some truly mouth-watering dishes. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 delicious Italian crockpot recipes that will make your taste buds do the tarantella.
From classic pasta dishes to hearty soups and stews, these slow-cooker recipes are perfect for a quick and easy dinner that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. And the best part? They’re all incredibly easy to make!
Whether you’re in the mood for something rich and meaty or light and veggie-packed, we’ve got you covered with our roundup of 20 mouthwatering Italian crockpot recipes. So go ahead, get your slow cooker ready, and let’s dive into the delicious world of Italian cooking.
Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese
This slow cooker recipe is a twist on the traditional Italian dish, perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a warm and satisfying meal. With minimal effort required, this slow-cooked spaghetti bolognese is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 lb spaghetti
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a pan over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker, then add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Serve with the bolognese sauce and grated Parmesan cheese.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
This comforting Crockpot recipe combines the flavors of chicken parmesan with al dente pasta, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. A perfect meal for a busy day.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup penne pasta
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken, pasta, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and basil in the Crockpot.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Easy Italian Beef Sandwiches
Savor the flavors of Italy with this simple and delicious recipe for Italian beef sandwiches. Tender beef, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese come together to create a mouthwatering meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless beef top round or rump roast
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 4 Italian-style sub rolls
– 8 slices mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, combine beef, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover the pot and simmer for 2-1/2 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
4. Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips.
5. Split the sub rolls in half and toast them.
6. Assemble the sandwiches by placing some of the beef onto each roll, followed by a spoonful of marinara sauce and a slice or two of mozzarella cheese.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including simmering time)
Slow Cooker Tuscan White Bean Soup
This classic Italian-inspired soup is a comforting blend of creamy cannellini beans, aromatic vegetables, and savory herbs, all simmered to perfection in the slow cooker.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried cannellini beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine beans, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir to combine, then cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
3. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Crockpot Lasagna with Ground Turkey
This hearty Crockpot lasagna is a twist on the classic Italian dish, featuring ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner and flavorful alternative. With minimal prep time and hands-off cooking, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 12 lasagna noodles
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground turkey until browned, breaking up with spoon as needed.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until softened.
4. Stir in marinara sauce and season with salt and pepper.
5. In the Crockpot, create a layer of turkey mixture, followed by a layer of lasagna noodles, then a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Repeat layers two more times, finishing with a layer of Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Cover Crockpot and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 1-2 hours.
8. Remove lid and let lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (LOW) or 1-2 hours (HIGH)
Italian Sausage and Peppers in the Slow Cooker
A classic comfort food recipe that’s perfect for a busy day. This slow cooker version of Italian Sausage and Peppers is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your choice)
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 large onions, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place the Italian sausage in the slow cooker.
2. Add the sliced bell peppers, onions, and garlic on top of the sausage.
3. Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
Warm up with a hearty and comforting bowl of Minestrone Soup, made easy in your slow cooker! This classic Italian soup is packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup small pasta shapes (e.g., elbow macaroni)
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
Savor the flavors of Italy with this hearty and comforting crockpot chicken cacciatore recipe. Tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and savory herbs come together to create a deliciously easy meal perfect for any day.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mixed bell peppers (green, red, yellow)
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place chicken breasts at the bottom of a 6-quart crockpot.
2. Add sliced onion, minced garlic, and mixed bell peppers on top of the chicken.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together crushed tomatoes, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour over the ingredients in the crockpot.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Easy Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs
Savor the flavors of Italy with this effortless slow cooker recipe that yields tender and juicy meatballs smothered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for busy days, this dish is ready to devour when you need it most.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to Low.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
3. Use wet hands to shape mixture into meatballs (about 20-25). Place in slow cooker.
4. Pour crushed tomatoes over meatballs. Sprinkle with oregano.
5. Cook on Low for 6 hours or High for 3 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and crusty bread, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Mushroom Risotto
Transform a classic Italian dish into a comforting slow cooker recipe that’s perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken broth, low sodium
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook Arborio rice according to package instructions.
2. In a slow cooker, combine cooked rice, chicken broth, butter, garlic, and mushrooms.
3. Stir until the butter has melted and the mixture is well combined.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crockpot Italian Wedding Soup
This hearty soup combines tender meatballs, vegetables, and aromatics cooked in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing gathering, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 12 ounces small pasta shapes (such as elbow macaroni or ditalini)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Crockpot to low.
2. In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, and garlic. Mix well with hands until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place in the Crockpot.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, basil, salt, and pepper to the Crockpot. Stir to combine.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. About 30 minutes before serving, add pasta shapes to the Crockpot. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
This comforting soup is perfect for a chilly evening or a quick lunch. The slow cooker does all the work, melding together flavors of fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and creamy goodness.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs fresh tomatoes, chopped
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add chopped tomatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, and dried basil to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Easy Crockpot Eggplant Parmesan
Transform eggplants into a creamy, cheesy delight with minimal effort using your crockpot!
Ingredients:
• 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the crockpot, layer half of the eggplant slices, followed by half of the marinara sauce, then half of the mozzarella cheese.
2. Repeat the layers, starting with the remaining eggplant, then the remaining marinara sauce, and finishing with the Parmesan cheese.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
Enjoy your easy, stress-free eggplant parmesan!
Slow Cooker Italian Herb Chicken and Potatoes
This hearty and flavorful recipe is perfect for a busy day when you want to come home to a delicious meal with minimal effort. Simply toss your favorite chicken and potatoes into the slow cooker, add some aromatic herbs, and let it cook away!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, potatoes, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crockpot Three-Cheese Stuffed Shells
Elevate your comfort food game with this creamy and indulgent Crockpot recipe, featuring three cheeses and tender shells filled with a rich spinach mixture.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/2 cup marinara sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat Crockpot to low.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg. Mix well.
4. Stuff each cooked shell with the spinach mixture and place in Crockpot.
5. Pour marinara sauce over stuffed shells and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (low) or 1-2 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Warm up with a comforting and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening. This slow cooker recipe combines the savory flavors of sausage, vegetables, and cheese-filled tortellini.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup cheese-filled tortellini
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Add the cooked sausage, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and tortellini to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
4. Season with basil, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Easy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew
This hearty and flavorful stew is a perfect meal for a chilly evening, packed with tender vegetables and rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add chicken, onion, garlic, zucchinis, bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Pasta
Transform your pasta into a creamy, flavorful dish with this simple slow cooker recipe. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli)
– 1 cup pesto sauce
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Add the pasta, pesto sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth on top of the chicken.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Check the pasta for doneness; if not tender, continue cooking in 30-minute increments until desired.
6. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese (if using).
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crockpot Italian Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Elevate your sandwich game with this mouthwatering crockpot recipe that combines the tender flavor of pulled pork with the boldness of Italy. This crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for a casual dinner or as a delicious addition to your next party.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Provolone cheese, optional
Instructions:
1. Season the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, and oregano.
2. In a crockpot, combine the sliced onion and minced garlic. Add the pork shoulder on top.
3. Pour in the marinara sauce and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
4. Remove the pork from the crockpot and shred with two forks.
5. Assemble sandwiches by placing the pulled pork onto hamburger buns, topped with parsley and provolone cheese (if using).
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours
Slow Cooker Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Manicotti
A twist on the classic Italian dish, this slow cooker recipe simplifies the process of making stuffed manicotti without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 package manicotti shells
– 1 (16 oz) container ricotta cheese
– 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 jar marinara sauce (14 oz)
Instructions:
1. Cook manicotti shells according to package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, spinach, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix well.
3. Stuff each cooked manicotti shell with the ricotta mixture.
4. Place stuffed manicotti in a slow cooker. Pour marinara sauce over the top.
5. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1 hour.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (low) or 1 hour (high)
Summary
Get ready to elevate your weeknight meals with these 20 delicious Italian crockpot recipes! From classic spaghetti bolognese to hearty lasagna and meatballs, there’s something for everyone. Try making slow cooker chicken parmesan pasta, easy Italian beef sandwiches, or Tuscan white bean soup. For a comforting twist on traditional dishes, try the slow cooker minestrone soup or creamy tomato basil soup. With these easy-to-make recipes, you’ll never have to sacrifice taste for convenience again.
