This 5-ingredient slow cooker pappardelle is the kind of easy summer dinner that earns a regular spot in the rotation, especially when you want something festive for the Fourth of July without standing over the stove. Using dry pappardelle right in the slow cooker keeps the method simple, while the wide noodles turn tender and silky as they cook in the sauce. It is a practical, family-style pasta dish with a cozy Italian-American feel that works beautifully for casual holiday gatherings.
Serve this pasta with a crisp green salad, grilled corn, or a platter of tomatoes dressed with olive oil and basil to keep the meal bright and summery. For a Fourth of July table, I like to add garlic bread and a bowl of fresh berries on the side, plus iced tea, lemonade, or a light red wine for the adults.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Fourth of July Pappardelle
Servings: 6
Ingredients
12 ounces raw dry pappardelle noodles
1 pound ground beef
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
1. Lightly grease the slow cooker insert if desired for easier cleanup. Spread the dry pappardelle noodles across the bottom, then add the ground beef in small pieces over the pasta.
2. Pour the marinara sauce and chicken broth evenly over the noodles and beef, making sure most of the pasta is moistened. Cover and cook on low for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, stirring once or twice if your slow cooker cooks hot, until the pasta is tender and the beef is fully cooked.
3. Stir gently to separate the noodles and combine the sauce with the beef. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stir again, and let it cook uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes if you want the sauce a little thicker.
4. Spoon the pappardelle into bowls and serve hot with extra Parmesan if you like.
Variations & Tips
Add fresh herbs: If you have basil or parsley on hand, stir in a small handful just before serving. It adds color and gives the rich sauce a fresher, more summery finish.
Use Italian sausage: Swap the ground beef for mild Italian sausage if you want a deeper, more seasoned flavor. This version is especially nice if you plan to serve the pasta with simple vegetable sides.
Watch the liquid: Slow cookers vary, and pasta can go from perfect to too soft if it cooks too long. Start checking near the 2 1/2 hour mark, and if the mixture seems dry before the noodles are tender, add a splash of extra broth.
Make it more festive: For a Fourth of July look, serve the pasta alongside a tomato and mozzarella salad and a bowl of blueberries or strawberries. The meal stays simple, but the table feels a little more celebratory.