Description
A simple, creamy, and budget-friendly slow cooker pasta dish that requires minimal effort and cleanup. Perfect for busy families and college students looking for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 ounces (about 1 pound) dry rotini pasta
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk or 2% milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Lightly spray the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or rub with butter.
- Pour the dry rotini pasta into the slow cooker and sprinkle with garlic powder and onion powder. Toss gently to distribute spices.
- Pour the chicken broth and milk over the pasta, ensuring the liquid covers the pasta by at least an inch.
- Add butter pats on top and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Do not stir yet.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 2.5 hours. Do not cook on HIGH to prevent mushy pasta.
- After 2 hours, check if pasta is tender. If needed, cook for another 30 minutes. Stir well to release starches.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes to allow residual heat to melt the cheese.
- Stir again until smooth. If too thick, add a splash of milk or broth; if too thin, let sit uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
Always use dry pasta, not pre-cooked. Shred cheese from a block for better melting. Do not lift the lid frequently during cooking. If the sauce separates, stir vigorously or add a splash of cold milk. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 18
Keywords: crockpot pasta, cheesy rotini, slow cooker dinner, budget meals, easy pasta recipe, comfort food, family dinner