This slow cooker Amish-inspired chicken broth ham pasta is exactly the kind of low-effort dinner that saves a busy weeknight. It leans on a short ingredient list, a simple dump-and-cook method, and that cozy combination of broth, ham, and tender pasta that feels extra comforting when you want something filling without hovering over the stove. The style is reminiscent of practical farmhouse cooking, where inexpensive pantry staples come together into a hearty family meal.
Serve this pasta with buttered green beans, a crisp side salad, or simple steamed peas to balance the richness. Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread are also great for soaking up the savory broth, and if you want to round it out a little more, a spoonful of cottage cheese or applesauce on the side gives it that homey Midwest supper feel.
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Amish Chicken Broth Ham Pasta
Servings: 6
Ingredients
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups diced ham cubes
12 ounces egg noodles
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
Directions
1. Add the diced ham and finely diced onion to the slow cooker, then pour the chicken broth over the top.
2. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, until the onion is soft and the ham is heated through and flavorful in the broth.
3. Stir in the egg noodles and butter, making sure the noodles are mostly submerged in the hot broth.
4. Cover again and cook on low for 25 to 35 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the noodles are tender and most of the broth has been absorbed.
5. Stir well, let the pasta sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly, then spoon into bowls and serve warm.
Variations & Tips
Add cheese: Stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar at the end for a creamier, richer version that kids usually love. Let it melt for a minute or two before serving.
Use a different pasta: Egg noodles fit the cozy style best, but small shells or rotini also work. If you swap pasta shapes, keep an eye on the liquid since different noodles absorb broth at different rates.
Make it stretch farther: Add 1 to 2 cups frozen peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking to turn this into more of a complete one-pot meal without adding much extra work.
Watch the salt: Ham and broth can both be salty, so low-sodium broth is the best choice here. Taste before adding any extra seasoning, especially if your ham is from leftovers.
Best texture tip: Don’t add the noodles at the beginning or they can become too soft in the slow cooker. Adding them near the end keeps the pasta tender instead of mushy.