When I need dinner handled long before the evening rush starts, this 4-ingredient slow cooker anellini supper is exactly the kind of low-effort meal I lean on. Using dry anellini keeps the prep simple, and the slow cooker does the heavy lifting while the pasta softens and soaks up a savory sauce. It has that cozy, pantry-friendly feel that makes it especially nice for busy September weeknights when schedules start filling up again.
Serve this with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted green beans to balance the richness of the sauce. If you want to stretch the meal a little further, warm garlic bread or buttered toast works well for scooping up the extra sauce, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top is an easy finishing touch.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Anellini Suppers
Servings: 4
Ingredients
1 cup dry anellini pasta
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick spray if desired for easier cleanup. Add the dry anellini, chicken broth, and marinara sauce, then stir well so the pasta is evenly distributed.
2. Cover and cook on low for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, stirring once or twice if you are home, until the anellini is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
3. Stir in the shredded mozzarella, cover again, and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy.
4. Give everything one final stir and serve hot straight from the slow cooker.
Variations & Tips
Make it heartier: Stir in a cup or two of cooked shredded chicken or browned Italian sausage near the end of cooking if you want a more filling supper. This is a good option when you need the dish to stretch for bigger appetites.
Adjust the texture: Slow cookers can run a little differently, so check the pasta at the earlier end of the cooking time. If it looks too thick before the anellini is tender, add a splash of extra broth. If it looks too loose at the end, leave the lid off for a few minutes before serving.
Change the cheese: Mozzarella keeps things mild and kid-friendly, but provolone, fontina, or an Italian cheese blend also melt nicely and give the dish a slightly richer flavor.
Meal-prep tip: Measure the pasta, broth, sauce, and cheese the night before so you can dump everything into the slow cooker in just a minute or two the next morning. That little bit of prep makes busy workdays feel much easier by dinnertime.
