This slow cooker Amish-style Muenster pork pasta is the kind of cozy dinner that feels especially welcome on a busy weeknight, with tender pork chops, creamy melted cheese, and pasta all coming together in a simple, satisfying way. Draping the Muenster right over the raw pork lets it slowly melt into the cooking juices as everything cooks, creating a rich, homey sauce with very little hands-on work.
Serve this comforting pasta with a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or simple roasted broccoli to balance the richness of the cheese and pork. A side of buttered rolls or garlic bread is also wonderful for scooping up the extra sauce, and for a family-style meal, I like to set out a bowl of applesauce or sliced cucumbers for something cool and fresh on the table.
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Amish Muenster Pork Pasta
Servings: 6
Ingredients
6 boneless pork chops
8 slices Muenster cheese
1 packet dry onion soup mix
2 cans cream of mushroom soup, 10.5 ounces each
12 ounces egg noodles
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray if you like easier cleanup, then arrange the pork chops in an even layer in the bottom.
2. Drape the Muenster cheese slices over the pork chops so most of the meat is covered.
3. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the cheese, then spoon the cream of mushroom soup over the top and spread it gently into an even layer.
4. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the pork is tender and cooked through.
5. Near the end of the cooking time, cook the egg noodles on the stovetop according to the package directions until just tender, then drain well.
6. Remove the pork chops from the slow cooker and either leave them whole or cut them into bite-size pieces. Stir the sauce in the slow cooker until smooth, then serve the pork and creamy sauce over the hot egg noodles.
Variations & Tips
For picky eaters: If your family prefers a plainer flavor, use cream of chicken soup in place of one can of mushroom soup, or chop the pork into smaller pieces before serving so every bite gets a little sauce and pasta.
Make it extra savory: A handful of sautéed mushrooms or a little minced onion can be added before cooking if you do not need to keep it strictly at five ingredients. Those extras blend right into the creamy sauce and make the dish feel even heartier.
Choose the right pasta: Egg noodles are especially nice here because they hold the creamy sauce so well, but rotini or medium shells also work if that is what you have in the pantry. Just cook the pasta separately so it does not get too soft in the slow cooker.
Don’t overcook the pork: Since pork chops can dry out if left too long, check for doneness on the early side if your slow cooker runs hot. Once the pork is tender, keep it on warm until the noodles are ready.
Add a little color at serving: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or a side of peas, broccoli, or green beans brightens up the plate and helps round out the meal for a family dinner.