There is something mighty comforting about a supper that asks so little of you and still comes out tasting like you fussed all afternoon. This 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker American Family Day Paccheri is the kind of practical meal busy families lean on, with big tube-shaped pasta slowly soaking up sauce and turning tender right in the crock pot. It feels like one of those modern pantry suppers that fits right into a Midwestern kitchen, where simple ingredients, a full table, and easy cleanup have always counted for plenty.
Serve this hearty pasta with warm garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or simple steamed green beans to round out the meal. If you want to stretch it for company or hungry farmhands, a bowl of buttered corn or roasted broccoli alongside makes it feel extra generous, and a little grated Parmesan on the table lets everyone finish their plate just the way they like it.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker American Family Day Paccheri
Servings: 6
Ingredients
16 ounces raw dry paccheri pasta
24 ounces pasta sauce
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray or a thin smear of oil to help prevent sticking.
2. Pour the raw dry paccheri pasta into the bottom of the slow cooker and spread it into an even layer.
3. Pour the pasta sauce and chicken broth over the pasta, making sure the noodles are mostly covered. Gently press the pasta down with a spoon if needed.
4. 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.
5. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, cover again, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes more, until the cheese is melted.
6. Spoon the hot pasta into bowls and serve right away.
Variations & Tips
Add a little meat: If you want a heartier version, stir in 1 to 2 cups of cooked ground beef or Italian sausage before cooking. It makes the dish feel more like a Sunday casserole while still keeping the method easy.
Watch your slow cooker: Every crock pot has its own temperament. Start checking the pasta at the 2 1/2-hour mark so the paccheri turns tender without splitting too much or becoming overly soft.
Change the cheese: Mozzarella gives you that easy, melty top, but provolone or an Italian blend works nicely too. A dusting of Parmesan at the table adds a salty finish that wakes up the whole bowl.
Make it saucier: If your family likes extra sauce, add an additional 1/2 to 1 cup of broth or a little more pasta sauce during cooking. Paccheri is a big pasta and can drink up quite a bit of liquid.
Sneak in vegetables: A handful of baby spinach stirred in at the end or some sautéed mushrooms folded into the sauce can stretch the meal and add color without changing the simple spirit of the dish.