Velvety Cheesy Slow Cooker Pasta Feast Recipe

Heavenly Creamy Cheesy Slow Cooker Pasta Delight Recipe

Tantalizing aromas of a slow cooker cheesy pasta recipe will soon fill your kitchen with pure comfort.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy cheese slow cooker pasta delight delivers pure magic.

Simplicity meets deliciousness in this one-pot wonder that requires minimal effort.

Busy home cooks appreciate meals that practically prepare themselves while delivering maximum flavor.

Rich, velvety cheese cascades over perfectly cooked pasta, creating a dish everyone will love.

Every bite promises a creamy, indulgent experience that turns an ordinary evening into a memorable meal.

Grab your slow cooker and get ready to savor something extraordinary.

Slow Cooker Must-Haves for Cheesy Pasta Goodness

  • Slow Cooker: Essential for creating this creamy, cheesy pasta dish.
  • Large Skillet: Perfect for melting butter and cheese smoothly.
  • Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
  • Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Cutting Board: Helpful for any minor prep work.

Tossing Together a Creamy Cheesy Pasta Bake the Easy Way

  • Pasta Preparation Kickstart your culinary journey by cooking elbow pasta according to package guidance. Drain the pasta completely, setting it aside for the delicious transformation ahead.
  • Cheese Transformation Heat a skillet and create a magical cheese blend by melting butter and incorporating cheddar and mozzarella until smooth and velvety.
  • Slow Cooker Magic Transfer the luscious cheese mixture into the slow cooker. Add sour cream, cheddar cheese soup, and your perfectly cooked pasta. Pour in milk and sprinkle in seasonings, stirring until everything mingles beautifully.
  • Patient Cooking Let the slow cooker work its wonder on low heat for two hours. Occasionally stir to ensure every pasta piece gets coated in creamy goodness.
  • Comfort Feast After two hours, you'll have a bubbling, irresistible pasta dish. Scoop directly from the crockpot and savor the ultimate comfort food that promises to make taste buds dance with joy.

Tips for Extra Flavor in Your Slow Cooked Pasta

  • Incorporate cooked bacon bits, diced ham, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy pancetta to transform this side dish into a hearty main course with extra protein.
  • Fold in roasted vegetables like broccoli florets, caramelized onions, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to increase nutritional value and add delightful texture contrasts.
  • Sprinkle red pepper flakes, add a dash of hot sauce, or include diced jalapeños for those who love a spicy kick and want to elevate the dish's heat level.
  • Prepare the cheese mixture and pasta one day ahead, refrigerate overnight, and simply reheat in the slow cooker for an effortless meal with intensified flavors.

Serving Cheesy Pasta That Melts on the Plate

  • Pair with Crisp Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta.
  • Top with Crunchy Extras: Sprinkle crispy breadcrumbs, crushed bacon bits, or chopped green onions for added texture and flavor contrast.
  • Complement with Protein: Add grilled chicken strips or cooked shrimp on top to transform this side dish into a hearty main course.
  • Wine Pairing Suggestion: Enjoy with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the cheesy, creamy flavors.

Best Storage for Slow Cooker Pastas

  • Refrigerate Strategically: Store leftover pasta in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum to maintain optimal taste and texture.
  • Freeze for Future Meals: Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze up to 2 months for quick weeknight dinner options. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated pasta in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and ensure even heating. Add extra cheese if needed to refresh the sauce's consistency.
  • Portion and Plan: Divide pasta into individual meal-sized containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Label containers with date and contents to track freshness and minimize food waste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 490 kcal

Servings: 7

Creamy Cheesy Slow Cooker Pasta Ingredient List

For Pasta Base:
  • Elbow Pasta: Provides the hearty foundation, choose high-quality pasta that holds sauce well and maintains texture during slow cooking.
For Dairy Richness:
  • Butter, Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Sour Cream, Cheddar Cheese Soup, Milk: Creates luxurious, velvety texture and deep flavor complexity; select full-fat versions for maximum creaminess and optimal melting properties.
For Seasoning Boost:
  • Salt, Mustard Powder, Paprika: Enhances overall taste profile, adding subtle warmth and depth; opt for fresh, high-quality spices to elevate dish's aromatic qualities.
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Velvety Cheesy Slow Cooker Pasta Feast Recipe

Velvety Cheesy Slow Cooker Pasta Feast Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Slow cooker pasta blends Italian comfort with easy preparation. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a rich meal you’ll savor with family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups elbow pasta (uncooked)
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 (10 ¾ oz) can cheddar cheese soup
  • 1 ¼ cups milk
  • 3 ½ tbsps butter
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp mustard powder
  • ½ tsp paprika

Instructions

  1. Pasta Preparation: Cook elbow pasta to al dente perfection, drain thoroughly, and set aside for later incorporation.
  2. Cheese Sauce Foundation: Melt unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat, then seamlessly blend shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until achieving a silky, uniform sauce.
  3. Slow Cooker Assembly: Pour the molten cheese mixture into the slow cooker, creating a luxurious base. Add cooked pasta, sour cream, cheddar cheese soup, whole milk, salt, mustard powder, and paprika, stirring gently to ensure comprehensive flavor melding.
  4. Flavor Infusion: Set slow cooker to low heat, allowing the pasta to simmer and absorb the rich, creamy essence for approximately 2 hours. Occasionally stir to prevent cheese from clumping and maintain a consistent, velvety texture.
  5. Serving: Once the pasta reaches a decadent, bubbling consistency, serve immediately, relishing the indulgent, cheese-laden masterpiece straight from the slow cooker.

Notes

  • Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness during slow cooking, ensuring a perfectly textured final dish.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Slowly melt butter and cheese over medium heat, stirring constantly to achieve a smooth, lump-free sauce that blends seamlessly.
  • Stirring Strategy: Gently mix ingredients every 30 minutes during slow cooking to prevent cheese from sticking and distribute flavors evenly throughout the pasta.
  • Temperature Control: Use low heat setting to prevent scorching and allow flavors to meld gradually, creating a rich, creamy texture without burning.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 740 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 19 g
  • Cholesterol: 64 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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