This slow cooker 5-ingredient Amish cherry tomato noodles recipe is the kind of simple summer dish that earns a permanent place at potlucks, family suppers, and weeknight tables. It takes a humble combination of egg noodles, butter, and ripe cherry tomatoes and turns them into something rich, comforting, and bright, with the tomatoes softening and bursting into a light sauce as they cook. The Amish-style influence shows in the practical ingredient list and the focus on pantry staples paired with fresh produce.
Serve these noodles alongside grilled chicken, smoked sausage, pork chops, or a platter of sweet corn and sliced cucumbers for an easy warm-weather meal. They also fit naturally on a potluck table next to barbecue, ham, or fried chicken, and a spoonful of chopped fresh parsley or a dusting of Parmesan at the table makes the buttery tomato flavor stand out even more.
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Amish Cherry Tomato Noodles
Servings: 6
Ingredients
4 cups red and yellow cherry tomatoes
12 ounces wide egg noodles
8 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
1. Add the cherry tomatoes to the slow cooker and dot the butter over the top. Sprinkle with the salt and black pepper, then cover and cook on high for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until the tomatoes are very soft and beginning to burst.
2. Stir the softened tomatoes gently to release more of their juices and create a light buttery tomato sauce in the cooker.
3. Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until just tender. Drain well.
4. Add the drained noodles to the slow cooker and toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the buttery tomato juices. Cover and cook for 10 to 15 minutes more so the noodles absorb some of the flavor.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve warm straight from the slow cooker or transfer to a serving bowl.
Variations & Tips
Add herbs: A handful of chopped basil, parsley, or chives stirred in at the end gives the dish a fresher, more garden-forward finish without changing its simple character.
Make it richer: For a more luxurious texture, stir in a few spoonfuls of cream cheese or a shower of grated Parmesan after the noodles are added. The sauce will become silkier and cling more closely to the pasta.
Watch the noodle texture: Since the noodles are already cooked before they go into the slow cooker, keep the final covered cooking time brief. Too long and they can become overly soft, especially if using extra-wide egg noodles.
Use the ripest tomatoes: This recipe depends on the tomatoes for most of its flavor, so choose cherry tomatoes that are sweet, deeply colored, and slightly soft to the touch. A mix of red and yellow tomatoes gives the finished dish a more colorful potluck-friendly look.