Pasta cooking in a slow cooker with sauce coating the noodles
Pasta cooking in a slow cooker with sauce coating the noodles
If the pasta seems too thick or the noodles are a little firmer than you like, stir in a splash of hot water or broth, cover, and let it cook for another 10–15 minutes.
Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, taste and adjust the seasoning if you’d like—add a pinch of salt, black pepper, or a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs.
Serve the pasta hot, straight from the slow cooker. If you have it on hand, top with grated Parmesan cheese and a little chopped fresh basil or parsley for extra color and flavor.
Finished slow cooker pasta topped with Parmesan and basil
Finished slow cooker pasta topped with Parmesan and basil
Variations & Tips
To make this even more filling, you can stir in 1 to 1 1/2 cups of cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or shredded rotisserie chicken during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking, just long enough to warm through.
For extra creaminess, add 1/2 to 1 cup of shredded mozzarella or a few spoonfuls of cream cheese at the end, stirring until melted—this is especially popular with kids who like a milder, cheesy sauce. If you have picky eaters, choose a smooth marinara and smaller pasta shapes like elbows or small shells, and skip any visible herbs on top so it looks simple and familiar.
Creamy kid-friendly version of tomato pasta with melted cheese
Creamy kid-friendly version of tomato pasta with melted cheese
You can also sneak in some veggies by stirring in a cup of frozen peas or finely chopped spinach during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking; they’ll soften right into the sauce. For a lighter version, use a light Italian dressing and water instead of broth, and serve with extra veggies on the side.
If your family likes a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a zesty Italian dressing for a brighter, tangier flavor. And if you’re cooking for a crowd, this recipe doubles easily—just use a large slow cooker and keep an eye on the liquid, adding a bit more water or broth if the pasta looks dry.
Large batch of tomato pasta served for a crowd
Large batch of tomato pasta served for a crowd
