I absolutely adore how a slow cooker lets you toss ingredients in and walk away.
These 19 Italian recipes are perfect examples of flip the switch magic that results in tender meats and rich sauces.
Whether you need a full lasagna or a simple pasta sauce, I have you covered right here.
1. Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce
Stovetop sauces usually need at least an hour or two of simmering to let those ingredients marry.
A slow cooker makes perfect sense for this job since it handles that long cook time effortlessly. You will not have to worry about red splatter marks on your backsplash either.
2. Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo
Creamy alfredo sauce pairs so beautifully with roasted chicken and al dente pasta.
I highly recommend searing the meat before adding it to the pot for maximum flavor. The chicken cooks with garlic, butter, broth, and heavy cream until tender before you add the pasta at the very end.
3. Crock Pot Zuppa Toscana
I first tried this dish at Olive Garden years ago and still think about how good it tasted.
Potatoes make it nice and filling while the sausage adds much more flavor than standard ground meat. You should leave the cream on the counter before adding it to the warm pot to prevent curdling.
4. Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
Ragu differs from bolognese because it uses red wine for decadence and has a thicker consistency.
This recipe delivers a very meaty texture by using beef brisket or round roast instead of ground beef. The meat will absolutely melt in your mouth after spending a few hours in the pot.
5. Slow Cooker Risotto with Butternut Squash
This version might not be as creamy as the stovetop kind you slave over, but the ease makes up for it.
You do need to start on the stove to toast the rice perfectly. Goat cheese helps ensure the final result is still delicious and creamy.
6. Italian Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash is a fantastic low carb alternative that is also super delicious.
You can shred the cooked flesh just like a cut of pork until it looks like thin noodles coming away from the rind. This recipe gives you a whole meal in one go rather than just a side dish.
7. Slow Cooker Meatballs (Italian Style)
Meatballs are a massive favorite in my house regardless of the specific style.
These versatile bites work great with pasta, on a lunch sub, or even cut up on a pizza. You can easily swap beef for lean turkey since the sauce provides so much flavor and moisture.
8. Soft And Creamy Slow Cooker Polenta
I have a serious weakness for creamy, cheesy polenta.
You will cook the grains in stock first and then stir in the cream right at the end. I always use lots of freshly grated Parmesan, but Monterey Jack or gouda work well too.
9. Slow Cooker Lasagna
Oven baked lasagna often ends up with burned edges and a cold middle.
The evenly distributed heat of a slow cooker ensures everything cooks at the exact same time. You will break up uncooked no boil noodles to fit them into the corners for this dish.
10. Lazy Slow Cooker Eggplant Casserole
Eggplant parmesan often suffers from overcooked vegetables that turn the whole dish soft and wet.
I love this version because it avoids that mushy texture completely. Thick portobello mushrooms add a fantastic layer of meatiness to every single bite.
11. Crockpot Stuffed Shells
I used to struggle with a spoon until I saw someone fill pasta shells with a piping bag.
You can easily stuff these ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until you are ready to eat. The slow cooker heats everything evenly so you never worry about cold centers.
12. Simple Crock Pot Italian Beef Stew
Cold weather means it is officially soup and stew season.
A hearty beef stew is one of the most comforting and indulgent meals you can make. You can use red wine for color and depth or swap in a dark, quality beef broth.
13. Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Soup
I am a bit picky about tomato soup because the wrong preparation tastes like watered down ketchup.
Roasting fresh tomatoes with garlic and onion adds a fantastic depth of flavor. This homemade version is incredible and far better than tangy or overly acidic alternatives.
14. Crockpot Italian Zucchini Casserole
Pasta is incredibly versatile since you can easily swap meat for vegan alternatives or add various veggies.
You might try ground tofu beef or use cauliflower rice to keep things low carb. Chop the zucchini small to melt it into the sauce or keep it big for added crunch.
15. Skinny Slow Cooker Chicken Puttanesca
This dish packs a punch with red pepper flakes, capers, garlic, and olives.
The anchovies simply melt into the sauce while sugar balances out the briny taste. I added plenty of cracked pepper, but remember that it does not need any extra salt.
16. Easy Crockpot Lasagna Ravioli
Three cheese ravioli work perfectly as a replacement for standard lasagna sheets.
You get the cheese layer and pasta all in one simple step. The best part is that you can put them in frozen without any need to thaw or cook them first.
17. Slow Cooker Italian Mushrooms
I was pleasantly surprised by how yummy these mushrooms tasted despite the short ingredient list.
The recipe calls for Italian dressing mix which made me skeptical at first. It turns out this blend of herbs and spices makes the mushrooms absolutely to die for.
18. Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Cacciatore means hunter in Italian and this stew was traditionally made with rabbit.
Most people now serve this rich, deeply flavorful dish with slow cooked chicken. Onions and bell peppers are essential, but I also love the earthy taste of mushrooms.
19. Crock Pot Pizza Casserole
You can call this pizza pasta or whatever you like.
It blends hearty pasta with marinara and loads it up with plenty of pepperoni and cheese. I preferred it without ground meat, but sausage would work well for a meat feast style.