There is something mighty comforting about a slow cooker supper that asks so little of you and still turns out like a dish meant for company. This Friendship Day cavatelli is the kind of meal I can imagine setting on the table for neighbors and old friends after a long afternoon, with tender pasta, rich sauce, and plenty of melted cheese bringing everybody back for another spoonful. It leans on convenience in the best possible way, using just five ingredients and the steady magic of the crock to make a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner.
Serve this cavatelli with a crisp green salad, buttered green beans, or a platter of roasted zucchini if you want a little color on the table. A basket of warm garlic bread or a loaf of crusty Italian bread is especially welcome for scooping up the extra sauce, and if you are feeding a cheerful bunch, a simple pitcher of iced tea or red table wine rounds things out nicely.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Friendship Day Cavatelli
Servings: 6
Ingredients
16 ounces raw dry cavatelli pasta
1 pound Italian sausage, browned and drained
24 ounces marinara sauce
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
1. Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into bite-size crumbles as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the raw dry cavatelli to the slow cooker. Spoon in the browned sausage, pour over the marinara sauce, and add the chicken broth. Stir gently so the pasta is mostly covered with liquid.
3. Cover and cook on low for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, stirring once or twice if your slow cooker runs hot, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
4. Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top, cover again, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes more, until the cheese is melted. Spoon into bowls and serve hot.
Variations & Tips
Make it meaty and hearty: If you like, use hot Italian sausage for a little kick, or swap in browned ground beef for a milder flavor. Just be sure whatever meat you use is fully cooked before it goes into the slow cooker.
Watch the liquid level: Slow cookers can have minds of their own. If your pasta looks dry before it turns tender, add a splash more broth. If it looks too soupy near the end, leave the lid slightly ajar for a few minutes before adding the cheese.
Add a little garden goodness: A handful of baby spinach or a layer of sautéed mushrooms can be stirred in during the last 20 minutes if you want to stretch the dish a bit. That makes it feel a touch more special without giving up its easy nature.
Cheese finish: Mozzarella gives you that lovely stretchy topping, but a sprinkle of Parmesan at the table adds a fine savory finish. I always think a little extra cheese makes a pasta supper feel like a celebration.