There is something mighty satisfying about a supper that asks so little of you and still comes out tasting like comfort in a bowl. This easy slow cooker tubetti is one of those practical Midwestern-style meals that leans on pantry staples, stretches well for a family, and brings a little lasagna-day spirit to the table without all the layering and fuss. Using raw dry tubetti right in the crock pot makes this recipe especially handy on a busy day, and the end result is saucy, cheesy, and filling in the way simple home cooking ought to be.
Serve this pasta with warm garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or simple steamed green beans to round out the meal. If you want to make it feel a bit more like a Sunday supper, set out grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and a bowl of roasted vegetables on the side. A glass of iced tea or a light red table wine pairs nicely too.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker National Lasagna Day Tubetti
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 pound raw dry tubetti pasta
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
3 cups water
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
1. Pour the raw dry tubetti pasta into the slow cooker and spread it into an even layer across the bottom.
2. Pour the marinara sauce and water over the pasta, then stir well so all the pasta is coated and tucked into the liquid.
3. Cover and cook on low for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, stirring once or twice if your schedule allows, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
4. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, cover again, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes more until the cheese is melted.
5. Spoon into bowls and serve hot.
Variations & Tips
Add a little meat: If you want a heartier supper, stir in 1 cup of fully cooked crumbled ground beef or Italian sausage with the sauce and water. That makes the dish taste even more like a relaxed lasagna night.
Watch your slow cooker: Every crock pot runs a little differently, and pasta can go from just right to overly soft if left too long. Start checking near the 2 1/2-hour mark so the tubetti keeps a pleasant bite.
Try another cheese: Mozzarella gives that familiar stretchy topping, but an Italian blend or a little provolone works nicely too. A dusting of Parmesan at the table adds good savory flavor.
Make it more colorful: Stir in a handful of baby spinach right before the cheese goes on, or add a spoonful of chopped fresh basil after serving. It freshens up the whole pot without making the recipe any fussy business.
Thin or thicken as needed: If the pasta seems dry before it finishes cooking, add a splash of hot water. If it looks a bit too loose at the end, let it sit uncovered for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce can settle in.