Here’s a super simple slow cooker recipe for spinach and pasta with just 4 ingredients—perfect for a quick, comforting meal:
Slow Cooker Spinach and Pasta (4 Ingredients)
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 4 cups fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 3 cups marinara or tomato pasta sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or any melty cheese you like)
Instructions:
- Prep the slow cooker:
Spray the inside with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. - Add ingredients:
- Pour in the pasta and marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top (reserve a little for serving if you like extra melty topping).
- Add the spinach on top.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 2–3 hours or high for 1–1.5 hours, stirring halfway through if possible.
- Check pasta for doneness—cook slightly less than usual because it will continue to soften in the sauce.
- Serve:
- Stir everything together so the spinach and cheese mix evenly with the pasta.
- Add extra cheese on top if desired.
💡 Tips:
- You can add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor without adding more “main ingredients.”
- If using frozen spinach, squeeze out excess water first to avoid a watery sauce.
- For a creamier version, stir in ½ cup cream cheese or ricotta before serving.
If you want, I can also give a 5-minute prep “dump-and-go” version that requires almost zero stirring. Do you want me to do that?
