Slow Cooker Italian Dressing Pasta

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Slow Cooker Italian Dressing Pasta

Description

This ultra-easy slow cooker pasta is a cozy, no-fuss dinner made with pantry staples and bold Italian flavor. Store-bought Italian dressing does the heavy lifting, creating a silky, herb-packed sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. With just 4 total ingredients, it’s perfect for busy nights, lazy weekends, or when you want comfort food without thinking too hard.

Ingredients (4 Total)

  1. 12 oz dry pasta (rotini, penne, or bowties work best)

  2. 1 cup store-bought Italian dressing

  3. 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

  4. ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Optional add-ins (not counted): red pepper flakes, dried parsley, black pepper

Instructions

  1. Add dry pasta to the slow cooker (no need to boil first).

  2. Pour in the Italian dressing and broth.

  3. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly.

  4. Cover and cook:

    • LOW: 2–2½ hours

    • HIGH: 1–1½ hours
      Stir once halfway if possible.

  5. When pasta is tender, turn off heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.

  6. Let sit uncovered for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Pasta texture depends on shape—short, ridged pastas hold up best.

  • Sauce will look thin at first but thickens as it rests.

  • If pasta absorbs liquid too fast, splash in ¼ cup broth and stir.

Tips for Best Results

  • Use zesty or robust Italian dressing for deeper flavor.

  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded.

  • Don’t overcook—slow cookers vary and pasta can turn mushy fast.

Servings

  • 4 servings (main dish)

  • 6 servings (side dish)

Estimated Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~360

  • Carbohydrates: ~45g

  • Protein: ~11g

  • Fat: ~14g

  • Fiber: ~2g

  • Sodium: ~620mg

(Values will vary based on dressing brand and pasta type.)

Benefits

  • ✔️ Budget-friendly pantry meal

  • ✔️ Minimal prep & cleanup

  • ✔️ Hands-off slow cooker comfort

  • ✔️ Easy to customize with what you have

Recipe Q & A

Q: Can I add protein?
A: Yes! Add cooked shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken, or browned sausage during the last 30 minutes.

Q: Can I make it creamier?
A: Stir in ¼ cup cream cheese or heavy cream at the end.

Q: Can this be made gluten-free?
A: Yes—use gluten-free pasta and check your dressing label.

Q: Does it reheat well?
A: Absolutely. Add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.

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