15 Slow Cooker Pasta Dinners Made for Cozy Fall Evenings
When fall evenings turn cool and the days get shorter, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm, hearty bowl of pasta. The slow cooker makes it easy to enjoy rich, flavorful meals without standing over the stove. From creamy dishes to bold, tomato-based favorites, these recipes are full of warmth and simplicity. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week ahead, these slow cooker pasta dinners will fill your kitchen with cozy aromas and your nights with satisfying comfort.
1. Slow Cooker Bolognese
A classic Bolognese sauce becomes incredibly rich when made in the slow cooker. Ground beef, onions, carrots, and garlic cook slowly in crushed tomatoes, herbs, and a splash of milk to create a thick, savory sauce. The low simmer deepens every flavor, and the milk softens the acidity of the tomatoes. Serve it over spaghetti or tagliatelle and finish with Parmesan and fresh basil. It’s hearty, flavorful, and the perfect meal for chilly fall evenings when you want something truly satisfying.
2. Creamy Chicken Alfredo
This comforting slow cooker chicken Alfredo is smooth, creamy, and simple to make. Chicken breasts cook gently in a sauce of butter, cream, garlic, and Parmesan until tender enough to shred. Once the sauce thickens, stir in cooked fettuccine to coat every strand. Garnish with parsley and a touch of black pepper for brightness. The long cooking time lets the flavors blend beautifully without needing constant attention. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that brings rich flavor to your dinner table effortlessly.
3. Tuscan Sausage and Spinach Pasta
This dish is loaded with bold Italian flavors that make every bite irresistible. Sausage, tomatoes, and cream simmer slowly, creating a sauce that’s both hearty and slightly tangy. The sausage seasons the sauce naturally while the spinach adds freshness and color. A spoonful of cream cheese or heavy cream gives it smoothness and body. Serve over rigatoni or penne to catch all the flavor. This easy slow cooker pasta is warm, comforting, and full of rustic, home-style goodness.
4. Slow Cooker Lasagna
Lasagna doesn’t need an oven to come out deliciously layered and cheesy. In the slow cooker, uncooked noodles, marinara, ricotta, mozzarella, and seasoned beef layer perfectly, cooking into a bubbling masterpiece. The noodles soften as the cheese melts, creating a dish that’s tender, flavorful, and completely satisfying. Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top before serving for a touch of color. This recipe saves time but delivers all the comfort of a homemade Italian dinner.
5. Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Sun-dried tomatoes bring tangy sweetness to this creamy chicken dish. Chicken breasts cook slowly with garlic, Italian herbs, and cream, creating a smooth, flavorful sauce. As the chicken becomes tender, the tomatoes release their deep flavor, infusing every bite. Add spinach near the end for freshness, then toss in cooked pasta. The result is a rich, balanced meal that feels elegant yet comforting. It’s perfect for busy fall nights when you want something hearty but easy to prepare.
6. Beef Stroganoff Pasta
Slow cooker beef Stroganoff is a classic comfort food that never disappoints. Tender slices of beef simmer with mushrooms, onions, and broth until soft and flavorful. Near the end, add sour cream for richness and a touch of tang. Serve with egg noodles and a sprinkle of parsley for color. The sauce becomes thick and creamy while the beef absorbs every savory note. It’s a timeless meal that tastes like it’s been simmering in a country kitchen all day.
7. Cajun Shrimp Pasta
This creamy, spicy pasta adds a fun kick to your fall dinner lineup. Shrimp, bell peppers, and onions cook together in a slow cooker with a blend of paprika, garlic, and cayenne for warmth. Add a little cream cheese for a smooth, luscious finish. The long cooking time lets the spices mellow and blend beautifully. Just make sure to add the shrimps near the end to keep them juicy and avoid overcooking. Serve it over penne and garnish with green onions. It’s cozy, flavorful, and perfect for spice lovers.
8. Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese becomes extra creamy when made in a slow cooker. Elbow macaroni cooks right in the pot with milk, butter, and shredded cheese, soaking up every drop of flavor. Stir occasionally for a silky texture, and add paprika or mustard powder for depth. The cheese melts perfectly into the sauce, creating a smooth, rich dish that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious. It’s ideal for weeknights, gatherings, or whenever you crave pure cheesy comfort.
9. Chicken Parmesan Pasta
This dish captures the best parts of classic chicken Parmesan with none of the fuss. Chicken breasts simmer slowly in marinara sauce with garlic and Italian seasoning until fork-tender. Toward the end, stir in pasta and top with mozzarella and Parmesan so the cheese melts perfectly into the sauce. Garnish with fresh basil or breadcrumbs for texture. It’s hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table, making it a weeknight favorite for cozy dinners.
10. Creamy Pesto Tortellini
This recipe makes use of store-bought tortellini for a quick yet satisfying dinner. The pasta cooks in a creamy mixture of pesto, broth, and cream until perfectly tender. Cherry tomatoes and spinach added at the end bring freshness and color. The sauce becomes silky and aromatic, coating every piece of tortellini. It’s full of basil flavor, rich cheese filling, and comfort in every bite. Serve it with garlic bread for an easy, restaurant-style meal that’s ready with minimal effort.
11. Italian Wedding Soup with Pasta
Slow cooker Italian wedding soup is hearty, aromatic, and full of flavor. Mini meatballs simmer gently in broth with small pasta such as orzo and fresh spinach. The long cooking time allows the meatballs to infuse the soup with rich flavor while keeping the broth light and fragrant. Add Parmesan before serving for extra warmth. This soup is filling but not heavy, making it perfect for crisp fall evenings when you need something wholesome and comforting.
12. Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs
This slow cooker version of spaghetti and meatballs is as comforting as it gets. Meatballs simmer all day in a rich tomato sauce made from crushed tomatoes, garlic, and basil. The slow heat makes the sauce thick and flavorful while keeping the meatballs tender. Stir in cooked spaghetti at the end and toss to coat evenly. Finish with Parmesan and fresh parsley. It’s a no-fuss dinner that turns a busy night into a cozy Italian-inspired feast everyone will love.
13. Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta
This slow cooker pasta delivers the comfort of broccoli cheddar soup in dinner form. Broccoli florets and pasta cook together in a velvety cheese sauce that thickens as it simmers. Garlic and onion add savory depth, while cheddar brings creamy richness. The sauce clings to every bite, creating a dish that’s both wholesome and indulgent. It’s a simple way to sneak in vegetables while serving something that tastes deliciously decadent and perfect for cozy fall evenings.
14. Spicy Sausage Rigatoni
This pasta combines hearty sausage with bold spice and a creamy finish. Italian sausage, crushed tomatoes, onions, and chili flakes cook slowly until the sauce is thick and flavorful. A splash of cream added at the end softens the spice and adds richness. The rigatoni holds the sauce perfectly, making each bite full of flavor. Top with parsley or grated cheese before serving. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that brings both heat and comfort to your fall table.
15. Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta
Pumpkin Alfredo pasta captures the flavors of fall in a creamy, comforting meal. Pumpkin puree blends with cream, butter, and Parmesan to form a smooth sauce with subtle sweetness. A pinch of nutmeg enhances the flavor while sage adds an earthy touch. The sauce coats fettuccine beautifully, creating a dish that’s rich and velvety. Top with toasted walnuts or fresh herbs for crunch. This cozy, seasonal dinner is perfect for cool evenings when you want something warm and elegant.
