Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos
Log In Account Details

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Avocado Every Day

      What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Avocado Every Day

      Can an avocado a day keep your health at bay? What does the research have to say? Read More
    • 7-Day No-Sugar High-Protein Meal Plan

      7-Day No-Sugar High-Protein Meal Plan

      Skip the added sugar and bump up the protein to keep yourself full on this 7-day meal plan. Read More
    • 20 Low-Carb, High-Protein Dinners Ready in 3 Steps or Less

       If you're looking for low-carb, high-protein dinners that don't require cooking for hours, these recipes got you covered. These dinner options are ready to serve in 3 steps or less so you can meet your nutrition goals easily. Each recipe l meets our nutrition parameters, with less than 14 grams of carbs and more than 15 grams of protein, without wasting on flavor. Recipes like 20-Minute Chicken Cutlets with Creamy Pesto Sauce and Cheesy Ground Beef Cauliflower Casserole are delicious options for you to get a healthy meal on your table in no time.  Read More
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See All Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See All Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See All Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See All Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See All Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See All Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See All Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

    See All Shop
    • EatingWell Cookbooks & More
    • EatingWell Frozen Meals
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Healthy Recipes
  3. Healthy Cooking Methods & Styles
  4. Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
  5. 22 Italian-Inspired Recipes You Can Make in a Slow Cooker

22 Italian-Inspired Recipes You Can Make in a Slow Cooker

Alex Loh
Alex Loh Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD Updated February 25, 2021
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Slow-Cooker Turkey Florentine Meatballs Over Orzo

Let your slow cooker do the work with these Italian-inspired recipes. Your kitchen will fill with intoxicating aromas and you'll end up with a delicious, hearty meal. Recipes like Spicy Chicken Lasagna and Slow-Cooker Turkey Florentine Meatballs Over Orzo are comforting, warm and perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Start Slideshow

1 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore with Polenta

Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore with Polenta
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This rustic stew cooks all day in the slow cooker so you can come home to a comforting, hot dinner. Not a fan of polenta? Try this healthy chicken dinner over pasta instead. Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2019

1 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spicy Chicken Lasagna

6318695.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Instead of spending hours at the stove making an Italian tomato sauce for your lasagna, let your slow cooker do the work. Your family will love the chicken and mushrooms in this makeover recipe of traditional lasagna. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

2 of 22

3 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Nonna's Spaghetti & Meatballs

3757975.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The meatballs and sauce are cooked in the slow cooker for this traditional Italian spaghetti and meatballs recipe. You could also serve the meatballs over creamy polenta or on a sandwich with melted provolone. Source: EatingWell Magazine, March/April 2012

3 of 22

Advertisement

4 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Chicken & White Bean Stew

Slow-Cooker Chicken White Bean Stew
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This load-and-go slow-cooker chicken recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Serve this Tuscan-inspired dish with crusty bread, a glass of Chianti and a salad. Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2019

4 of 22

5 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Vegetarian Lasagna

3856414.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Sure, the slow cooker's great for stews and soups, but it also happens to make a mean lasagna! In this ingenious slow-cooker recipe, all you have to do is chop your veggies, then layer the ingredients (raw) into the crockpot. Serve with: Garlic bread and a green salad. Source: EatingWell Magazine, November/December 2011

5 of 22

6 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Turkey Florentine Meatballs Over Orzo

<p>Slow-cooker turkey meatballs are a refreshing departure from typical beef meatballs. The chunky marinara sauce and tender orzo will put this entrée on your list of easy weeknight favorites. Garnish with crushed red pepper, if desired. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Slow-cooker turkey meatballs are a refreshing departure from typical beef meatballs. The chunky marinara sauce and tender orzo will put this entrée on your list of easy weeknight favorites. Garnish with crushed red pepper, if desired. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker

6 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

4477379.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Turn classic chicken parm into meatballs with this easy load-and-go appetizer recipe with a cheesy surprise inside. Making meatballs for a party? Switch your crock pot to warm for serving all party long. Source: EatingWell.com, February 2017

7 of 22

8 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Italian Vegetable & Farro Soup

7240940.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The farro­­an ancient whole grain rich in iron and fiber--and butternut squash make this slow-cooker soup hearty and filling. If you're looking for an easy way to work whole grains into your diet, this is it. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker

8 of 22

9 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Chicken Marsala

7459006.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This slow-cooker chicken Marsala recipe gets its full flavor from plenty of mushrooms and fragrant shallots. Whole-wheat pasta soaks up the rich sauce. Round it out with a simple green salad for a comforting healthy dinner. Source: EatingWell.com, December 2019

9 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Pork Ragout over Casarecce Pasta

<p>You'll want this slow-cooker ragout on a fall or winter evening when you're hosting a crowd for dinner. Substitute beef brisket or chuck roast, if you'd like--you'll just need to cook it for an additional hour or two. Garnish with fresh rosemary and oregano leaves, if desired. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You'll want this slow-cooker ragout on a fall or winter evening when you're hosting a crowd for dinner. Substitute beef brisket or chuck roast, if you'd like--you'll just need to cook it for an additional hour or two. Garnish with fresh rosemary and oregano leaves, if desired. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker

10 of 22

11 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Italian Turkey Sausage & Squash Lasagna

<p>Kids will love this lasagna made with turkey sausage in the Crock Pot--and parents will love that it's packed with vitamin-rich zucchini and squash! The veggies also add moisture to the slow-cooker lasagna, which keeps it from drying out. Serve with garlic toast, if desired. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Kids will love this lasagna made with turkey sausage in the Crock Pot--and parents will love that it's packed with vitamin-rich zucchini and squash! The veggies also add moisture to the slow-cooker lasagna, which keeps it from drying out. Serve with garlic toast, if desired. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker

11 of 22

12 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Chicken & Tomato Ragout over Polenta

<p>Cooking the polenta in chicken stock infuses it with robust savoriness, and melting the Parmesan cheese into the polenta further adds a salty, nutty quality. It's the perfect balance to the acidic, tomato-forward sauce. And while this slow-cooker chicken dish is fancy enough to serve to guests at a dinner party, the use of presliced mushrooms and quick-cooking polenta keeps the hands-on time to a minimum. Garnish with fresh oregano and basil leaves, if desired. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Cooking the polenta in chicken stock infuses it with robust savoriness, and melting the Parmesan cheese into the polenta further adds a salty, nutty quality. It's the perfect balance to the acidic, tomato-forward sauce. And while this slow-cooker chicken dish is fancy enough to serve to guests at a dinner party, the use of presliced mushrooms and quick-cooking polenta keeps the hands-on time to a minimum. Garnish with fresh oregano and basil leaves, if desired. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker

12 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Pork Sausage Bolognese

Slow-Cooker Pork Sausage Bolognese
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Here's the meaty, saucy pasta that we all crave. If you have any slow-cooker bolognese leftovers, freeze them and reheat on a cold night when you're in need of a hot, comforting dish. Serve with a simple, crisp salad and crusty bread. For the prettiest appearance, sprinkle with whole fresh basil leaves instead of chopped oregano. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker

13 of 22

14 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Minestrone with Smoky White Beans

7240944.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

An abundance of vegetables, beans and pasta makes this soup so hearty you'll hardly notice the lack of meat. The drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of Parmesan at the end adds a special touch to this slow-cooker minestrone. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker

14 of 22

15 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Octopus with Red Wine Sauce Over Linguine

7125919.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Don't be afraid to put octopus in the slow cooker! Expand your palate and enjoy this tender, light meat that tastes similar to chicken. This red wine sauce is very rich, briny and deeply flavored, so much so that you only need to serve half of it with the octopus. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker

15 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Polenta with Roasted Tomatoes & Parmesan

<p>Searching for an easy yet elegant dinner-party dish? This recipe is for you. The lightly charred cherry tomatoes (you can also use grape tomatoes) are not only a vivid topping but also add sweet smokiness that complements the polenta. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Searching for an easy yet elegant dinner-party dish? This recipe is for you. The lightly charred cherry tomatoes (you can also use grape tomatoes) are not only a vivid topping but also add sweet smokiness that complements the polenta. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker

16 of 22

17 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Vegetable Marinara Over Linguine

7081371.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This vegetarian marinara is a fantastic way to incorporate vegetables into a meal. Not only will adults love it but kids will, too! You can easily make it on a weekend, and reheat for a quick Monday night meal. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker

17 of 22

18 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Caprese Spaghetti Squash with White Beans

7081377.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This recipe feels and looks indulgent without being high in calories. The "caprese" components--fresh mozzarella, basil leaves and tomatoes--beautifully shine through, while the white beans add protein and a creamy texture. If you can't find fresh small mozzarella balls, tear a large ball of fresh mozzarella into small pieces. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker

18 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Barley Risotto with Butternut Squash

<p>It's hard to believe this filling dish that's full of rich flavor is also good for you! This recipe creatively combines "melted" butternut squash with tender cooked barley for an ultra-creamy, ultra-comforting risotto. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

It's hard to believe this filling dish that's full of rich flavor is also good for you! This recipe creatively combines "melted" butternut squash with tender cooked barley for an ultra-creamy, ultra-comforting risotto. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker

19 of 22

20 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches

<p>Oregano, roasted red pepper, and garlic bring flavor to the forefront in this recipe. Let it marinate and cook in the slow cooker for a few hours, and then place on a bun with provolone cheese for an incredibly delicious meal. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Oregano, roasted red pepper, and garlic bring flavor to the forefront in this recipe. Let it marinate and cook in the slow cooker for a few hours, and then place on a bun with provolone cheese for an incredibly delicious meal. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

20 of 22

21 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Italian Pork with Mashed Sweet Potatoes

6211481.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This simple Italian-inspired recipe combines pork shoulder with aromatic fennel. As the pork cooks, its juices drip down to flavor the sweet potatoes that are nestled in the bottom of the slow cooker. Serve with steamed green beans for a complete meal. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

21 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Pasta e Fagioli Soup Freezer Pack

5172212.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Your favorite restaurant soup just got easier and healthier with this freezer-to-crock-pot recipe. If you keep a special bottle of olive oil on hand for stand-out dishes, this is the recipe to pull it out for. The headiness of the fruity olive oil truly elevates the flavors in this Italian meal-prep slow-cooker soup. Source: EatingWell.com, February 2018

22 of 22

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Alex Loh

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 22 Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore with Polenta
    2 of 22 Spicy Chicken Lasagna
    3 of 22 Nonna's Spaghetti & Meatballs
    4 of 22 Slow-Cooker Chicken & White Bean Stew
    5 of 22 Slow-Cooker Vegetarian Lasagna
    6 of 22 Slow-Cooker Turkey Florentine Meatballs Over Orzo
    7 of 22 Slow-Cooker Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
    8 of 22 Slow-Cooker Italian Vegetable & Farro Soup
    9 of 22 Slow-Cooker Chicken Marsala
    10 of 22 Slow-Cooker Pork Ragout over Casarecce Pasta
    11 of 22 Slow-Cooker Italian Turkey Sausage & Squash Lasagna
    12 of 22 Slow-Cooker Chicken & Tomato Ragout over Polenta
    13 of 22 Slow-Cooker Pork Sausage Bolognese
    14 of 22 Slow-Cooker Minestrone with Smoky White Beans
    15 of 22 Slow-Cooker Octopus with Red Wine Sauce Over Linguine
    16 of 22 Slow-Cooker Polenta with Roasted Tomatoes & Parmesan
    17 of 22 Slow-Cooker Vegetable Marinara Over Linguine
    18 of 22 Slow-Cooker Caprese Spaghetti Squash with White Beans
    19 of 22 Slow-Cooker Barley Risotto with Butternut Squash
    20 of 22 Slow-Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches
    21 of 22 Italian Pork with Mashed Sweet Potatoes
    22 of 22 Slow-Cooker Pasta e Fagioli Soup Freezer Pack

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    EatingWell

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Recipe Index
    • Jobs
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletters
    Sign Up
    Meredith© 2023 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. All Right Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright EatingWell. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.eatingwell.com

    Sign in

    View image

    22 Italian-Inspired Recipes You Can Make in a Slow Cooker
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.