Crock Pot Meatballs Penne in Red Sauce
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this hearty and comforting Crock Pot Meatballs Penne in Red Sauce! Featuring tender frozen meatballs simmered to perfection in a rich marinara sauce infused with garlic and Italian seasoning, this one-pot meal is as easy as it is satisfying. The slow cooker does all the work, blending flavors while the pasta finishes right in the pot, absorbing all the savory goodness of the sauce. Topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this dish is perfect for busy families or effortless entertaining. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy a warm, crowd-pleasing dinner that's full of flavor without standing over the stove. Ideal for pasta lovers and those seeking convenient, slow cooker recipes!
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Ingredients
- 32 oz Frozen meatballs
- 16 oz Penne pasta
- 48 oz Marinara sauce
- 3 cups Water
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Place the frozen meatballs in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
Step 2
Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are fully covered.
Step 3
Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the sauce; stir gently to combine.
Step 4
Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours, until the meatballs are heated through.
Step 5
In a separate bowl, combine the water and the uncooked penne pasta. Let the pasta soak for 15 minutes to prevent it from drying out during cooking.
Step 6
After the meatballs have cooked for the initial time, add the soaked pasta (along with any remaining water from soaking) to the slow cooker. Stir to ensure the pasta is evenly distributed in the sauce.
Step 7
Cover and cook on high for an additional 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente.
Step 8
Once the pasta is fully cooked, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir to mix it in.
Step 9
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (3580.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 5136.8 |
| Total Fat 255.5g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 98.9g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 628.9mg | 0% |
| Sodium 13140.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 469.9g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 39.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 48.7g | |
| Protein 241.8g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1952.8mg | 0% |
| Iron 40.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3211.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories