Name: 30 Irresistible Slow Cooker Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 jumbo pasta shells; 2 cups ricotta cheese; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Jump to Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s both impossibly comforting and showstoppingly easy, you’re going to fall in love with this 30 Irresistible Slow Cooker recipe. Imagine luscious ricotta-stuffed pasta shells, nestled in a blanket of marinara, and topped with golden, melted mozzarella—all slowly infused with flavor until every bite is pure heaven. It’s the type of meal that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your family race to the table. Whether you’re looking for an effortless weeknight hero or a tasty weekend treat, this recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite.

30 Irresistible Slow Cooker Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The brilliant beauty of 30 Irresistible Slow Cooker is that every ingredient is accessible, familiar, but carefully chosen to create magic together. Each plays a starring role in shaping the ultimate balance of creamy, cheesy, herby, and saucy goodness you’ll crave again and again.

Jumbo pasta shells: Perfect for stuffing and creating pillowy pockets to hold the creamy filling.
Ricotta cheese: Adds a luscious, mild creaminess that’s the heart of every bite.
Fresh spinach, chopped: Gives a pop of green color and a gentle, earthy flavor that pairs seamlessly with the cheese.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, savory sharpness that takes the filling to the next level.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that infuses every bite with classic Mediterranean flair.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential basics that enhance every layer of flavor in the dish.
Marinara sauce: Bathes the shells in a sweet-savory tomato blanket for bold, saucy flavor.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into an irresistible, gooey top layer that brings everything together.

How to Make 30 Irresistible Slow Cooker

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Shells

Start by cooking the jumbo pasta shells just until al dente—follow the package instructions, but check a minute or two early. You want them firm enough to hold the filling without falling apart later. Drain them gently, then set aside to cool while you get the cheesy filling ready.

Step 2: Make the Ricotta Filling

In a medium bowl, combine your creamy ricotta cheese, freshly chopped spinach, sharp Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed and flecked with specks of green herbs and spinach. The filling should be thick but easily spoonable—the perfect balance for stuffing each shell.

Step 3: Stuff the Shells

Now for the fun part! Carefully fill each cooled pasta shell with heaping spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture. There’s no need for perfection here, but a generous amount in each shell ensures every bite is creamy and full of flavor. As you finish each shell, nestle it into the bottom of your slow cooker bowl.

Step 4: Layer with Marinara and Cheese

Once all the shells are stuffed and lined up in the slow cooker, pour your favorite marinara sauce evenly over the top. Make sure every shell gets a good spoonful of sauce—no dry spots here! Finish it off with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. You’ll thank yourself later when you lift the lid and discover a pool of gooey, golden goodness.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your slow cooker to low for 4-5 hours (or high for 2-3 if you’re short on time). As it simmers, the flavors mingle, the cheese melts into a stretchy cap, and the sauce gently bubbles below. When it’s ready, everything is beautifully tender and melding with irresistible Italian aroma—the signature of every successful 30 Irresistible Slow Cooker experience.

How to Serve 30 Irresistible Slow Cooker

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves make a stunning finish—torn or chiffonaded, they add a fragrant, vibrant pop. A final dusting of Parmesan provides extra savoriness, and a drizzle of good olive oil brings out that slow-cooked, restaurant-worthy shine.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a bright, zippy salad (think arugula with lemon vinaigrette), or classic garlic bread for scooping up every drop of sauce. If you’re feeling festive, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a bowl of warm, seasoned olives for an antipasto flair.

Creative Ways to Present

For family style, just set the slow cooker insert on a trivet and let everyone dig in! For a dinner party, gently plate three shells per person and spoon extra sauce around. Or go mini: stuff smaller shells for bite-sized, party-ready appetizers—the 30 Irresistible Slow Cooker approach is flexible, fun, and crowd-pleasing every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, pack any leftovers into airtight containers. The shells keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days—the flavors actually get even deeper as they rest, making lunch tomorrow downright irresistible.

Freezing

If you want to save some for another night, let the 30 Irresistible Slow Cooker shells cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

When it’s time to enjoy again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (covered with foil to prevent drying) until bubbling hot, or zap individual portions in the microwave. Add a sprinkle of extra mozzarella and a splash of sauce before warming for that just-baked freshness.

FAQs

Can I add meat to the 30 Irresistible Slow Cooker recipe?

Absolutely! A little cooked Italian sausage, ground turkey, or crumbled meatballs layered between the shells and sauce turns this already-hearty dish into an even more filling main course. Just make sure the meat is fully cooked before adding it to the slow cooker.

Are there substitutions for the spinach?

If spinach isn’t your thing—or you don’t have any on hand—finely chopped kale or even fresh herbs like parsley or basil work wonderfully in the ricotta mixture. You can also omit greens altogether for a classic cheese-stuffed shell experience.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Cottage cheese is a lighter, tangier substitute for ricotta in the 30 Irresistible Slow Cooker recipe. Just drain it well and, for a smoother texture, pulse it briefly in a food processor before mixing with the other ingredients.

How do I prevent the shells from sticking together?

Be sure to toss the drained pasta shells with a drizzle of olive oil before filling. This keeps them separated while they cool, making stuffing much easier and reducing the risk of tearing.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The only gluten-containing ingredient here is the pasta shells. Simply use your favorite gluten-free jumbo shells to create an entirely gluten-free version of the 30 Irresistible Slow Cooker that everyone can enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Bringing together the simplest ingredients and the magic of slow cooking, this 30 Irresistible Slow Cooker recipe is a labor of love that feels like anything but work. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with comfort that never goes out of style. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes one of your most-requested recipes—there’s just something special about sharing food this good. Trust me, you’ll want to make 30 Irresistible Slow Cooker part of your regular rotation!

30 Irresistible Slow Cooker Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 7 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of these irresistible slow cooker stuffed pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, topped with marinara and melted mozzarella cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Stuffed Shells:

12 jumbo pasta shells
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste

Additional Ingredients:

2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Cook the Pasta Shells: Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Stuff the Shells: Fill each pasta shell with the ricotta mixture and place them in the slow cooker.
Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Cook in the Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian