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Instructions:
- Prep the Slow Cooker:
Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. - Add the Ingredients:
Pour the raw pasta into the slow cooker. Then, add the marinara sauce, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine. - Add the Aromatics:
Toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to ensure the pasta is well-coated in the sauce and seasonings. - Cook on Low:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir halfway through if you can, to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick together. - Add the Cheese:
About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top of the pasta. Stir to combine and allow the cheese to melt into the sauce, creating a creamy, cheesy coating. - Serve:
Once the pasta is tender and the cheese has melted, give everything a final stir and serve hot! Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pasta
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slow cookers retain moisture, so your pasta may cook faster than you expect. Check it at the 2.5-hour mark to ensure it doesn’t get too soft or mushy. If you’re worried about overcooking, start checking at 3 hours.
- Choose the Right Pasta: Short pasta shapes, like penne, rotini, or shells, work best in the slow cooker. They hold up well and absorb the sauce without becoming too soft. Long pasta, like spaghetti, may become mushy or break apart.
- Adjust for Sauce Consistency: Depending on the type of pasta you use and the size of your slow cooker, you may need to add a little extra liquid (broth or water) during cooking. If the sauce looks too thick, simply add a splash more liquid to keep the pasta from drying out.
- Experiment with Flavors: This basic recipe is a great foundation, but feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients. Add ground beef or sausage for a heartier dish, toss in some vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or switch up the cheese for a different flavor profile. The slow cooker makes it easy to customize your meal.
Other Easy Slow Cooker Pasta Recipes
If you love the idea of cooking raw pasta in your slow cooker, here are a few more tasty variations to try:
1. Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
A classic baked ziti with all the cheesy goodness—this dish includes ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Let the slow cooker do all the work, and you’ll have a cheesy, bubbly dinner ready to serve.
2. Slow Cooker Alfredo Pasta
For a rich and creamy option, use a jar of Alfredo sauce, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Add raw pasta and a little extra Parmesan cheese for a decadent, restaurant-quality dish.
3. Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
A creamy, savory beef stroganoff can also be made in your slow cooker. Use stew meat or ground beef, mix in some sour cream and mushroom soup, and throw in the raw egg noodles at the end for a comforting, one-pot dinner.
4. Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta
If you love chicken Parmesan, you’ll adore this twist! Cook raw pasta, marinara sauce, and chicken breast in the slow cooker, and finish it off with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a deliciously easy version of the classic.
5. Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
For an ultra-comforting dish, make mac and cheese in the slow cooker using elbow macaroni, milk, butter, and a mix of your favorite cheeses. It’s creamy, cheesy, and a perfect weeknight dinner.
Conclusion
Throwing raw pasta into your slow cooker is a no-fuss, time-saving way to prepare a comforting, delicious meal. Whether you’re making a simple tomato-based pasta dish or a creamy Alfredo, the slow cooker allows the pasta to soak up all the flavorful sauce, creating a dish that’s rich, tender, and satisfying.
Your family will be amazed by how little effort went into making such a tasty dinner, and you’ll appreciate how easy cleanup is afterward. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a classic pasta meal, just throw in the raw pasta, set it, and forget it—then watch your family devour it!
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