This 5-ingredient slow cooker anellini is the kind of easy dinner that feels made for a busy summer week, especially when you want something festive for the Fourth of July without standing over the stove. Tiny ring-shaped anellini pasta cooks right in the crock with just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients, creating a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that lands somewhere between a pasta bake and a saucy casserole. It is simple, budget-friendly, and perfect when you need a low-effort meal that still feels special enough to bring to the table for family and friends.
Serve this with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or fresh summer fruit to round out the meal. For a holiday table, it also pairs nicely with grilled burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, or a simple platter of sliced tomatoes and mozzarella. If you want to lean into the comfort-food angle, a sprinkle of extra cheese and a side of steamed green beans make it especially satisfying.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Fourth of July Anellini
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 pound raw dry anellini pasta
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of a slow cooker with nonstick spray if desired. Add the raw dry anellini pasta, marinara sauce, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning, then stir well so the pasta is fully coated and evenly distributed.
2. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring once or twice if your schedule allows, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Check near the 2-hour mark since slow cookers can vary.
3. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy throughout the pasta.
4. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella over the top, cover again, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes more until the cheese is melted. Serve hot.
Variations & Tips
Make it heartier: Stir in cooked Italian sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or browned ground beef before cooking if you want a more filling main dish. If you add meat, keep an eye on the liquid and add a splash more broth if the pasta seems dry.
Swap the cheese: Mozzarella gives this a classic gooey finish, but provolone, an Italian blend, or a little Parmesan can add extra flavor. A mix of mozzarella and Parmesan works especially well if you want a sharper, more savory bite.
Watch the timing: Raw dry pasta in the slow cooker can go from perfect to too soft pretty quickly, so begin checking early. If your slow cooker runs hot, reduce the cooking time and stir gently to keep the pasta from sticking around the edges.
Add color for a holiday feel: For a festive red, white, and green look, top the finished pasta with chopped parsley or basil and serve with fresh tomatoes on the side. It is an easy way to make the dish feel a little more special for a cookout or family gathering.