When my kids were little and money was tight, anything that tasted like pizza but could stretch to feed a crowd was worth its weight in gold. This slow cooker pepperoni pizza pasta is one of those ‘modern comfort’ dishes that still feels right at home on a Midwestern table. It takes the familiar flavors of Friday night pizza—tangy marinara, melty mozzarella, and plenty of pepperoni—and tucks them into a cozy bowl of pasta you can ladle out to whoever wanders through the door.
Around here, slow cookers have earned a permanent spot on the counter, especially during harvest season or busy school weeks. This recipe is for those days when you want the comfort of something bubbling away all afternoon, but you don’t have the time or energy to fuss. Five ingredients, a slow cooker, and a little patience, and you’ve got the kind of hearty, kid-pleasing supper that makes the whole house smell like home.
Slow cooker pizza pasta on a farmhouse table
Slow cooker pizza pasta on a farmhouse table
This pepperoni pizza pasta is plenty filling on its own, but it really shines when you round it out like a classic Midwestern supper. A simple green salad with crisp lettuce, sliced cucumbers, and a mild vinaigrette helps cut through the richness and adds a bit of crunch. Garlic bread or warm buttered breadsticks are perfect for swiping up any extra sauce at the bottom of the bowl.
If you like a more traditional farmhouse spread, serve it alongside steamed green beans or sweet corn, depending on what’s in season. A dish of dill pickles or a small plate of raw veggies—carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper strips—fits right in with the old church potluck style of serving. And if you’re feeding a crowd, a pan of brownies or a simple fruit salad for dessert turns this easy slow cooker meal into a full, comforting family feast.
Midwestern supper sides beside pizza pasta
Midwestern supper sides beside pizza pasta
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pepperoni Pizza Pasta
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
12 ounces uncooked short pasta (such as rotini or penne)
3 cups marinara sauce (your favorite jarred or homemade)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
6 ounces sliced pepperoni (about 1 to 1 1/2 cups), divided
1 cup water
Simple pizza pasta ingredients on a kitchen counter
Simple pizza pasta ingredients on a kitchen counter
Directions
Spray the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker lightly with cooking spray to help prevent sticking.
