Slow Cooker Cod Pasta: Easiest Weeknight Dinner EVER!

January 2, 2026

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Slow cooker cod pasta is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a weeknight meal when you crave something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This recipe brings together flaky cod, tender pasta, and a flavorful tomato sauce, all effortlessly cooked in your slow cooker. It’s inspired by my grandmother's simple yet soul warming recipes, a reminder that the best meals are often the ones made with love and minimal fuss. With this slow cooker cod pasta, you can have a healthy and satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Slow cooker cod pasta is more than just a recipe; it's a hug in a bowl.

Why You Will Love This slow cooker cod pasta Recipe

This slow cooker cod pasta recipe is a guaranteed hit for so many reasons! First, it’s incredibly easy. Just toss everything into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. Second, the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a rich and comforting dish. The cod becomes wonderfully tender, the pasta cooks perfectly, and the sauce is packed with deliciousness.

I remember one particularly busy week when I was testing recipes for the blog. I threw this slow cooker cod pasta together in the morning, and when I walked in the door after a long day, the aroma was incredible. It was like a warm welcome home. It’s recipes like this that make cooking a joy, not a chore. Plus, it's a great way to get a healthy dose of protein and vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor. If you love easy and flavorful seafood dishes, you should also give Slow Cooker Salmon Stew a try!

Ingredients Needed for This slow cooker cod pasta Recipe

1.5 pounds cod fillets, cut into 2 inch pieces
1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
28 ounces crushed tomatoes
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1/4 cup olive oil
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

How to Make This slow cooker cod pasta Recipe

In a large slow cooker, combine the crushed tomatoes, onion, garlic, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), olive oil, and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
Season the cod fillets with salt and pepper. Gently place the cod pieces into the slow cooker, nestling them among the vegetables.
Add the pasta to the slow cooker. Stir gently, making sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, or on high for 1 to 1.5 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker, so check the pasta for doneness after the minimum cooking time. The cod should be flaky and the pasta should be tender.
Once the pasta is cooked and the cod is flaky, gently stir everything together. Be careful not to break up the cod too much.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

How to Serve This slow cooker cod pasta Recipe

This slow cooker cod pasta is a complete meal in itself, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing pairs perfectly with the richness of the pasta. For a touch of elegance, try serving the pasta in individual bowls with a sprig of fresh basil and a dusting of Parmesan cheese. You can also serve something a little more exciting, in case you like an extra burst of flavor. Alternatively, for another easy weeknight meal, try our Slow Cooker Turkey Pasta.

How to Store This slow cooker cod pasta Recipe

Leftover slow cooker cod pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave the pasta or warm it in a saucepan over medium heat. If frozen, thaw the pasta in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make This slow cooker cod pasta Recipe

Don't overcook the cod. It should be flaky and tender, but not dry.
Use your favorite type of pasta. Penne, rotini, and farfalle all work well.
Add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
For a creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Need a recipe for wraps too? Then give our Slow Cooker Shrimp Wraps a try!
For the best slow cooker cod pasta, use high-quality cod fillets that are fresh or previously frozen and thawed.

Helpful Notes for This slow cooker cod pasta Recipe

The cooking time for this recipe can vary depending on your slow cooker. Be sure to check the pasta for doneness after the minimum cooking time. If the pasta is not cooked enough, continue cooking for another 15 to 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken or vegetable broth. You can also add a splash of white wine to the slow cooker along with the broth. It is truly one of my go to recipes!

Variation of This slow cooker cod pasta Recipe

For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the slow cooker. For a richer, more decadent flavor, stir in a few tablespoons of pesto at the end of cooking. You can also add some chopped olives, capers, or sun dried tomatoes to the slow cooker for added flavor complexity. For a different twist, try using shrimp or scallops instead of cod. The beauty of slow cooker cod pasta, is that is can be adjusted to your flavor preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cod for slow cooker pasta?

Yes, you can use frozen cod. Make sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the slow cooker to prevent excess water from altering the sauce consistency.

What type of pasta is best for slow cooker cod pasta?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli work well in slow cooker cod pasta. These shapes hold up well to the cooking process and capture the flavorful sauce.

How long does it take to cook cod in a slow cooker?

Cod typically cooks quickly in a slow cooker, usually within 1-2 hours on low or 30-45 minutes on high. Cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the cod fillets.

What vegetables can I add to slow cooker cod pasta?

You can add various vegetables to slow cooker cod pasta such as diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or spinach. Add them along with the sauce for added flavor and nutrients.

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy in the slow cooker?

To prevent mushy pasta, add it to the slow cooker during the last 30-45 minutes of the cooking time. This allows the pasta to cook through without becoming overcooked.

Conclusion

So there you have it, an easy, flavorful, and comforting slow cooker cod pasta recipe that's perfect for any weeknight meal. It's a simple dish that brings together the best flavors and textures, all cooked effortlessly in your slow cooker. I encourage you to give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. I'm confident that this slow cooker cod pasta will become a new family favorite!