Easy Crockpot Pasta Recipes are a convenient and delicious solution for a quick weeknight dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can have a hot, satisfying meal ready in no time, without sacrificing flavor. The slow cooker does all the work, cooking the pasta and sauce to perfection, while you can focus on other tasks or simply relax. This versatility and ease of preparation make Easy Crockpot Pasta Recipes a favorite among busy families and individuals alike.
Here is a recipe for Easy Crockpot Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil:
Ingredients:
* 1 pound pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli, or rotini)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
* Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Cooking Steps:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In the slow cooker, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 1-2 hours, or on high for 30-45 minutes, until the pasta is coated in the sauce and heated through.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
8. If using, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped fresh basil leaves on top of the pasta before serving.
Tips and Variations:
* To make a creamier sauce, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream or half-and-half to the slow cooker along with the crushed tomatoes.
* For a spicy kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the slow cooker.
* To add some protein to the dish, cook 1-2 cups of ground beef or sausage in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker with the other ingredients.
* Experiment with different types of pasta, such as shells or spiral pasta, for a change of pace.
* Try substituting canned diced tomatoes for crushed tomatoes for a slightly chunkier sauce.
* For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Other versions of Easy Crockpot Pasta Recipes can be made by substituting different ingredients, such as:
* Easy Crockpot Pasta with Mushrooms: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the onion and garlic.
* Easy Crockpot Pasta with Bell Peppers: Add 1 cup of sliced bell peppers to the slow cooker along with the onion and garlic.
* Easy Crockpot Pasta with Spinach: Add 1 cup of fresh spinach leaves to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* Easy Crockpot Pasta with Meatballs: Add 1-2 cups of cooked meatballs to the slow cooker along with the pasta and sauce.
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