Busy school nights call for simple dinners, and this 4-ingredient slow cooker radiatori is the kind of recipe that makes life feel a little easier. Using dry pasta right in the slow cooker keeps prep short and cleanup light, while the ridges in radiatori hold onto every bit of sauce for a cozy, kid-friendly meal. It is a practical back-to-school supper that feels comforting without asking much from the cook.
This pasta is especially good with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, or garlic bread if you want to stretch dinner for hungrier appetites. For a fuller meal, serve it with cooked Italian sausage, rotisserie chicken, or meatballs on the side so everyone at the table can build a bowl they like.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Back to School Month Radiatori
Servings: 6
Ingredients
12 ounces dry radiatori pasta
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray if desired for easier cleanup. Add the dry radiatori pasta to the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Pour in the marinara sauce and broth. Stir well so the pasta is mostly submerged and evenly coated.
3. Cover and cook on high for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring once or twice if your schedule allows, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Slow cookers can vary, so start checking early to keep the pasta from overcooking.
4. Sprinkle the mozzarella over the hot pasta, cover again, and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts. Stir gently or serve with the melted cheese on top.
Variations & Tips
Make it heartier: Stir in cooked ground beef, cooked Italian sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken at the end if your family likes a more filling pasta dinner. This is a great way to stretch the meal for bigger appetites.
For picky eaters: Use a very smooth marinara and melt the cheese right into the pasta before serving so every bite is creamy and familiar. You can also serve extra cheese at the table for kids who love a milder flavor.
Watch the liquid: If the pasta looks dry before it turns tender, add an extra splash of broth, about 1/4 to 1/2 cup. If it looks too loose at the end, let it sit uncovered for a few minutes before serving.
Change the cheese: Mozzarella keeps things classic, but an Italian blend or a little parmesan can add extra flavor. For a creamier finish, stir in a few spoonfuls of cream cheese right before serving.
Add vegetables: Stir in baby spinach during the last few minutes of cooking, or serve the pasta with peas or broccoli on the side. That little pop of green makes the bowl feel complete without adding much work.
