Slow Cooker Cheesy Meatball Rotini

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes

• Cooking Time: 4–5 hours on LOW

• Total Time: Approximately 5 hours

• Servings: 6–8

• Difficulty: Easy

• Cooking Method: Slow Cooker

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 1½ lbs (680 g) ground beef

• ½ lb (225 g) ground pork (optional)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 1 large egg

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

For the Sauce

• 1 jar (24 oz) Alfredo sauce

• 1 jar (24 oz) traditional marinara sauce

• ½ cup chicken or beef broth

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Pasta

• 1 lb (450 g) rotini pasta

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

1. Place ground beef and ground pork in a large mixing bowl.

2. Add breadcrumbs and egg.

3. Add Parmesan cheese and minced garlic.

4. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt and black pepper.

5. Add chopped parsley.

6. Mix gently until all ingredients are combined.

Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

1. Scoop approximately 1½ tablespoons of mixture.

2. Roll between your palms to form evenly sized meatballs.

3. Place them on a clean tray.

4. Continue until all the mixture is used.

You should get approximately 24–28 meatballs.

Step 3: Prepare the Slow Cooker

1. Lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray.

2. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer if possible.

3. Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs.

4. Add Alfredo sauce.

5. Pour in the broth.

6. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder over everything.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Meatballs

1. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.

2. Cook on LOW for approximately 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.

3. Make sure the meatballs reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for ground beef or pork.

4. Stir gently to coat the meatballs with the creamy tomato sauce.

Step 5: Cook the Rotini Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add rotini pasta.

3. Cook according to package instructions until al dente.

4. Drain the pasta thoroughly.

5. Set aside.

Tip: Cooking pasta separately prevents it from becoming overly soft in the slow cooker.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked rotini to the slow cooker.

2. Gently stir until the pasta is coated in the Alfredo marinara sauce.

3. Add half of the mozzarella cheese.

4. Add half of the Parmesan cheese.

5. Stir gently until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 7: Add the Cheese Topping

1. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the pasta.

2. Add the remaining Parmesan cheese.

3. Cover the slow cooker.

4. Cook on LOW for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese melts completely.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top.

2. Add a little extra Parmesan.

3. Serve hot while the cheese is melted and stretchy.

4. Enjoy your delicious homemade meatball pasta!

Nutrition Information

Estimated per serving, based on 8 servings.

Nut Information (Q/S)

Total added nuts: 0 g.

Check breadcrumbs, Alfredo sauce, marinara sauce and packaged cheese labels for potential nut cross-contact if preparing for someone with a nut allergy.

Helpful Cooking Tips

1. Use fresh meatballs: Homemade meatballs give the dish wonderful flavor.

2. Don’t overmix: Gentle mixing helps keep meatballs soft.

3. Use good-quality Alfredo sauce: It creates a rich, creamy texture.

4. Cook pasta separately: This prevents mushy pasta.

5. Add cheese at the end: This gives you a beautiful melted cheese topping.

6. Adjust sauce thickness: Add a little broth if the sauce becomes too thick.

7. Add fresh herbs: Parsley and basil bring freshness to the finished dish.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

• Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

• Add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.

• Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months for best quality.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious pasta with:

• Garlic bread

• Fresh Caesar salad

• Roasted broccoli

• Steamed green beans

• Fresh tomato salad

• Garlic butter vegetables

Final Result

A comforting bowl of cheesy rotini pasta loaded with juicy homemade meatballs, rich Alfredo and marinara sauce, and delicious melted mozzarella.

Every bite is creamy, cheesy, savory and satisfying. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks and cozy weekends!