This 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Friendship Day Orecchiette is the kind of easy, cozy meal that feels made for sharing, whether you are feeding neighbors, hosting a casual lunch, or just setting out a warm bowl for people you love. Using raw dry orecchiette right in the slow cooker keeps prep wonderfully simple, and the result is a tender, comforting pasta dish with plenty of flavor and hardly any fuss.
Serve this pasta with a crisp green salad, warm garlic bread, or simple roasted vegetables to round out the meal. If you are making it for a get-together, a platter of fruit, iced tea, and a light dessert like cookies or lemon bars makes the table feel extra welcoming without adding much work.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Friendship Day Orecchiette
Servings: 6
Ingredients
16 ounces raw dry orecchiette
24 ounces marinara sauce
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
1. Pour the raw dry orecchiette into the slow cooker and spread it into an even layer across the bottom.
2. Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, then stir well so all of the pasta is coated and mostly submerged.
3. Cover and cook on low for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours, stirring once or twice if possible, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, let it melt for a few minutes, then serve the pasta warm.
Variations & Tips
Make it vegetarian: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth for an easy meatless version that still turns out rich and comforting.
For extra flavor: If your family likes a little more punch, stir in a pinch of Italian seasoning, a spoonful of pesto, or a little minced garlic along with the sauce.
For picky eaters: Keep it just as written for a very simple pasta bowl, or serve grated Parmesan on the side so everyone can add as much or as little as they like.
Watch the liquid: Slow cookers can vary quite a bit, so start checking the pasta at the 90-minute mark. If it looks dry before the pasta is tender, add a small splash of broth. If it looks too loose at the end, leave the lid off for a few minutes before serving.
Add-ins for a heartier meal: This recipe is wonderfully flexible if you want to stretch it a bit. Stir in cooked shredded chicken, baby spinach, or sautéed mushrooms near the end for a fuller supper.