Name: Crockpot Pasta Soup: A Cozy and Easy Dinner Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey); • 1 small white onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity); 2x 12oz pasta (I used Fusilli (because we are doing gluten free), but any short pasta works); 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Welcome back to Soup Saturdays, where we’re serving up warm, hearty, and delicious bowls of comfort every week! 🍲 Today’s episode 2 is Crockpot Pasta Soup, a set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s as easy as it is delicious. Packed with tender pasta, a rich tomato-based broth, savory beef, and topped with creamy ricotta, this soup is the ultimate comfort food.

If you missed last week’s recipe Episode 1, don’t worry! Head to the blog to grab the Chicken Enchilada Soup recipe—it’s a must-try for soup season. And while you’re there, check out more recipes, book recommendations, and cozy ideas to inspire your January!

Crockpot Pasta Soup: A Cozy and Easy Dinner Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Effortless Cooking: Just toss everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic!

2. Family-Friendly: A hearty and satisfying meal that even picky eaters will enjoy.

3. Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers all week long.

4. Perfect for Cozy Nights: Pair it with your favorite book or a sweet treat (we’ve got ideas for that below).

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)

• 1 small white onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

• 2x 12oz pasta (I used Fusilli (because we are doing gluten free), but any short pasta works)

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef

Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Drain any excess fat. (If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and add the raw meat directly to the crockpot—it will still cook, but browning adds extra flavor.)

2. Add Ingredients to the Crockpot

Transfer the cooked beef mixture to the crockpot. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir to combine.

3. Cook the Soup

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Add the Pasta

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked pasta. Cover and let it cook until tender. (Pro tip: If you’re using gluten-free pasta, cook it separately on the stove and add it to the crockpot just before serving to avoid mushiness.)

5. Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!

Perfect Pairings: Dessert and More

This hearty Pasta Soup is even better when paired with a sweet treat. I recommend my Chocolate Strawberry Yogurt Clusters, a healthy-ish dessert made with fresh strawberries, creamy Greek yogurt, and dipped in rich chocolate. They’re the perfect way to round out your cozy night! Grab the full recipe on the blog.

Chocolate Strawberry Yogurt Clusters: Quick and Healthy Treat

January Bucket List Inspiration

Crockpot Pasta Soup fits perfectly into your January bucket list. Whether your goal is to spend more time at home, try new recipes, or embrace cozy nights in, this recipe checks all the boxes. Make it a full experience by pairing your soup with a movie night, journaling, or one of my book recommendations below!

What I’m Reading This January

Speaking of cozy nights, I’ve been diving into some amazing reads this month. My January Reads blog post is packed with book recommendations, from swoon-worthy romances to uplifting stories that are perfect for curling up with a blanket and bowl of soup. Be sure to check it out and let me know what’s on your reading list!

Crockpot Pasta Soup: A Cozy and Easy Dinner Recipe

Author: ashtonsedita

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 30 minutesCook time: 40 minutesRest time: 40 minutesTotal time: minutesServings:4 servingsCalories:300 kcal Best Season:Summer

Description

This Crockpot Pasta Soup is a cozy and hearty meal perfect for chilly nights or lazy weekends. Loaded with tender pasta, a rich tomato-based broth, and savory beef, it’s finished with creamy ricotta for the ultimate comfort food. Easy to make and perfect for the whole family, this recipe is a must-try for any soup lover!

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small white onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
2x 12oz pasta (I used Fusilli (because we are doing gluten free), but any short pasta works)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Drain any excess fat. (If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and add the raw meat directly to the crockpot—it will still cook, but browning adds extra flavor.)
Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Transfer the cooked beef mixture to the crockpot. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir to combine.
Cook the Soup
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Add the Pasta
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked pasta. Cover and let it cook until tender. (Pro tip: If you’re using gluten-free pasta, cook it separately on the stove and add it to the crockpot just before serving to avoid mushiness.)
Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!

Video

Tips for Crockpot Pasta Soup Success

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Add the pasta towards the end of cooking to avoid it becoming mushy.

2. Customize Your Protein: Swap the ground beef for turkey, sausage, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian twist.

3. Add Veggies: Sneak in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for an extra nutritional boost.

4. Make It Ahead: This soup reheats beautifully, so it’s great for meal prep or leftovers.

5. Storage Tips: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. If storing the pasta with the soup, be aware it will absorb some of the broth over time.

Join the Soup Saturday Series

Crockpot Pasta Soup is Episode 2 of our Soup Saturday Series, and I can’t wait to share more delicious recipes with you! Be sure to follow along so you don’t miss a single bowl of comfort. If you missed Episode 1, check out the Chicken Enchilada Soup recipe on the blog—it’s packed with flavor and perfect for busy nights.

Let’s Connect!

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see your creations! Tag me on social media and let me know how you’re making the most of Soup Saturdays. Don’t forget to follow me for more recipes, books, and cozy inspiration to make your January unforgettable.

XOXO, Ashton