All your favorite pasta indulgences, made easy and guilt-free!
You may think of pasta as a cheat day only indulgence, but this comfort food can actually be a healthy meal any day of the week. With our six favorite healthy slow cooker pasta recipes, not only is pasta back, but it’s easier than ever! Featuring classic dishes you know and love, this roundup is the best of pasta favorites, old and new. From spaghetti and lasagna to mac and cheese and baked ziti, there’s no pasta craving a slow cooker can’t handle. Meanwhile, clean ingredients keep these favorite slow cooker pasta recipes light and healthy. So whip up a batch of your go-to pasta indulgence and enjoy them guilt-free—cheat day or any day.
1. Slow Cooker Skinny Spaghetti
Every girl needs a go-to spaghetti recipe, and this skinny slow cooker version is just what you’re looking for. With just four ingredients, it’s a cinch to whip up. Meanwhile, whole-wheat pasta and lean ground turkey keep this recipe light and healthy. This dish is just as filling as the classic, but it won’t weigh you down with extra calories and carbs. Prep for an easy weeknight meal or make a big batch for Sunday night dinner. Your family will never know the difference!
Try the recipe: Slow Cooker Skinny Spaghetti
2. Slow Cooker Spinach Dip Tortellini
Even if you didn’t give up pasta completely, you probably thought Alfredo was off-limits. But have no fear! White sauce lovers everywhere will be relieved to know there’s a skinny version available for purchase. This spinach dip tortellini indulges all your cheese cravings with a skinny twist, letting you enjoy your Alfredo in peace. Just as thick and creamy as the original, this simple dish also packs in plenty of veggies. Who says a fit girl can’t enjoy some cheese filled-pasta drenched in cheese sauce?
Try the recipe: Slow Cooker Spinach Dip Tortellini
3. Slow Cooker Zucchini Ziti
We’ve even got healthy slow cooker pasta recipes for the vegetarian pasta lover! This zucchini ziti combines all the indulgence of your cheesy pasta favorite with some healthy veggies. Made with whole-wheat ziti and no- sugar- added marinara, this dish keeps things light without sacrificing flavor. Meanwhile, mozzarella and fat-free cottage cheese give this dish the cheesy richness you crave.
Try the recipe: Slow Cooker Zucchini Ziti
4. Slow Cooker Lasagna
If you needed further proof that you can make just about anything in a slow cooker, here’s a lasagna recipe. Another classic (and notoriously high calorie) dish, this slow cooker recipe is perfect for the health-conscious pasta lover. Just as rich and filling as you remember, this updated recipe keeps things light with ground turkey and low-fat cottage cheese. Whole-wheat pasta and no sugar-added marinara also make this a rich dish that will fill you up without weighing you down.
Try the recipe: Slow Cooker Lasagna
5. Slow Cooker Italian Style Penne
Hearty and filling, this homey classic is one of our favorite healthy slow cooker pasta recipes for busy weeknights. Simple, clean ingredients keep this meal light and easy to whip up. Along with making the cooking process a cinch, the slow cooker also helps this dish absorb all the savory flavors and seasoning. So, if you’re looking for a quick and hearty meal you can feel good about, this slow cooker penne is a weeknight go-to.
Try the recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Style Penne
6. Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
If you thought you had to leave mac and cheese behind along with your childhood metabolism, think again. This slow cooker mac and cheese is a grown-up (and lightened-up) version of the childhood classic. Just as creamy and delicious as you remember, this recipe cuts fat and calories with some easy substitutions. This version uses egg whites and low-fat milk to achieve the creamy taste you remember without all the fat. Meanwhile, whole-wheat pasta comes to the rescue once again, while sharp cheddar cheese adds a tasty grown-up flavor. So instead of saving your childhood favorite for cheat day, go ahead and serve mac and cheese you can feel good about!
Try the recipe: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
You can have your pasta and eat it too with these healthy slow cooker pasta recipes that don’t need to be reserved for cheat day! Try one today, and let us know what you think in the comments section below!
Enjoyed the post? Check out more:
- Three Cheese Ziti with Turkey
- Easy One Skillet Mac and Cheese
- Slow Cooker Spinach Dip Tortellini
- Chicken and Penne Parmesan Casserole
For even more slow cooker pasta recipes, check out our Top 15 Slow Cooker Dinner Recipes.
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