When the garden is overflowing with ripe summer tomatoes, this slow cooker version of Amish tomato noodles is one of those simple, homespun dishes that turns a handful of ingredients into pure comfort. The tomatoes cook down into a buttery sauce that clings to tender egg noodles, and the basil brings a fresh little lift that makes it taste like July in a bowl. It is the kind of cozy recipe that feels old-fashioned in the best way, with very little fuss and plenty of family-table charm.
Serve these tomato noodles alongside grilled chicken, pork chops, or simple sausages if you want to make the meal a little heartier. They are also lovely with sweet corn, green beans, a cucumber salad, or thick slices of buttered bread to soak up the tomato-butter sauce. For a light summer supper, I like to set out a fresh salad and some iced tea and let the noodles be the star.
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Amish Garden Tomato Noodles
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 pounds fresh garden tomatoes, cored and chopped
12 ounces wide egg noodles
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Directions
1. Add the chopped tomatoes, butter, and salt to the slow cooker. Stir gently, cover, and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, or until the tomatoes have softened and released plenty of juice.
2. Once the tomatoes are very tender, use the back of a spoon to break them up a bit more. Stir in the egg noodles, making sure they are tucked down into the hot tomato juices as much as possible.
3. Cover and continue cooking on high for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the noodles are tender and have absorbed some of the buttery tomato broth.
4. Stir in the fresh basil just before serving. Taste and add a little more salt if needed, then spoon the noodles into bowls and serve warm.
Variations & Tips
For picky eaters: If someone at your table is unsure about tomato chunks, give the cooked tomatoes a quick mash before adding the noodles so the sauce is a little smoother and less chunky.
Make it richer: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top is not traditional to every family version, but it is delicious and adds a savory finish if you want a slightly heartier bowl.
Add a little protein: To turn this into more of a main dish, serve the noodles with sliced grilled chicken or browned smoked sausage on the side or stirred in right before serving.
Best tomato tip: Use ripe, sweet summer tomatoes for the fullest flavor. If your tomatoes are especially juicy, the noodles may need just a few extra minutes; if they are very meaty, you can add a small splash of water to help the noodles soften.