This ultra-simple slow cooker vermicelli is the kind of pantry recipe worth keeping on repeat when you want a comforting meal with very little effort. Using raw dry broken vermicelli noodles and just three other staples, the noodles slowly absorb flavor as they soften in the crock pot, creating a cozy, savory dish that feels far more satisfying than its short ingredient list suggests. It is an easy approach for a relaxed family dinner, especially on a busy weeknight or a laid-back holiday like National Relaxation Day.
Serve this vermicelli as a simple main dish with a crisp cucumber and tomato salad, steamed green beans, or roasted carrots for contrast. It also works nicely alongside rotisserie chicken, grilled kebabs, or a spoonful of plain yogurt if you want to round it out into a larger meal, and a squeeze of lemon at the table can brighten the rich, savory flavors.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker National Relaxation Day Vermicelli
Servings: 6
Ingredients
12 ounces raw dry broken vermicelli noodles
4 cups chicken broth
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Directions
1. Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker if desired for easier cleanup. Spread the raw dry broken vermicelli noodles evenly across the bottom.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and condensed cream of chicken soup until mostly smooth.
3. Pour the broth mixture over the vermicelli, then dot the butter over the top. Cover and cook on LOW for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring once halfway through, until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Fluff the vermicelli gently with a fork, let it sit uncovered for 5 minutes to finish absorbing any excess liquid, then spoon into bowls and serve warm.
Variations & Tips
Use vegetable broth: For a meat-free pantry version, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use condensed cream of mushroom or celery soup if that is what you have on hand. The flavor will be a little different, but the method remains the same.
Watch the liquid level: Slow cookers vary quite a bit, so begin checking at the 90-minute mark. If the vermicelli looks dry before it is tender, add a small splash of hot broth. If it seems too loose at the end, let it rest uncovered for a few minutes before serving.
Add a finishing touch: Even with only four ingredients, a little garnish can wake everything up. Try chopped parsley, black pepper, a squeeze of lemon, or a spoonful of grated Parmesan at the table for extra flavor without changing the simplicity of the recipe.
Toast for deeper flavor: If you have a few extra minutes, lightly toast the broken vermicelli in a dry skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. That extra step brings a nuttier, richer taste and a more classic pilaf-like character to the finished dish.