There is something mighty comforting about a supper you can build from just a handful of pantry and refrigerator staples, especially on a busy day when nobody wants to fuss at the stove. This 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Sisters' Day Farfalle turns plain dry bow-tie pasta into a creamy, hearty meal with hardly any effort, and it feels like the kind of dish that belongs at a long kitchen table with family talking over one another and reaching back for seconds.
Serve this farfalle with a crisp green salad, buttered green beans, or simple roasted broccoli to balance the richness. A basket of garlic bread or warm crusty rolls fits right in too, and if you are setting out a little Sisters' Day spread, a glass of iced tea or lemonade makes it feel extra special without complicating the meal.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Sisters' Day Farfalle
Servings: 6
Ingredients
12 ounces raw dry farfalle
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
2 cans (10.5 ounces each) cream of chicken soup
3 cups chicken broth
8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray or a thin swipe of butter if you like easier cleanup. Add the dry farfalle to the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add the shredded chicken over the pasta. Spoon in the cream of chicken soup, then pour the chicken broth over everything. Stir well so the pasta is coated and mostly submerged.
3. Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours, stirring once or twice if you are nearby, until the pasta is tender. Cooking time can vary by slow cooker, so start checking early to keep the farfalle from getting too soft.
4. Add the cubed cream cheese, stir, cover again, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes more. Stir until the sauce turns smooth and creamy, then serve hot.
5. Spoon the farfalle into bowls and finish with a little black pepper or parsley if you have it on hand, though the dish is just fine in its simple five-ingredient form.
Variations & Tips
For extra flavor: If your pantry allows for a little cheating beyond the five main ingredients, a spoonful of grated Parmesan or a shake of black pepper at the end adds a nice savory finish without changing the easy nature of the dish.
Watch the liquid: Different brands of pasta and different slow cookers behave their own way. If the mixture looks dry before the pasta is tender, add a small splash of broth. If it seems loose at the end, let it sit uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Make it a vegetable supper: Stir in a couple of handfuls of baby spinach at the very end, or serve the pasta over steamed peas or broccoli. That is an easy way to stretch the meal and bring a little color to the table.
Change the protein: This recipe works nicely with chopped cooked turkey in place of chicken, especially after a holiday meal. It is a thrifty, old-fashioned kind of trick that keeps leftovers from feeling like leftovers.
Best texture tip: Raw dry farfalle can go from firm to overly soft faster than folks expect in a slow cooker, so begin testing a piece well before the full cooking time is up. Once the pasta is tender, go ahead and finish with the cream cheese right away.