Introduction
Looking for an easy pasta dish with big flavor and almost no effort? This 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Glazed Paccheri is a simple, comforting recipe that turns hearty paccheri pasta into a deliciously glossy, savory meal. With just three main ingredients and the slow cooker doing most of the work, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) paccheri pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and black pepper, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add the ingredients: Pour in the marinara sauce and add the dry paccheri. Stir gently so the pasta is coated evenly.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 2½–3½ hours, stirring gently once or twice if possible. Check toward the end to prevent the pasta from becoming too soft.
- Add the cheese: Once the paccheri is tender, sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Glaze and finish: Cover for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese melts and becomes creamy and glossy.
- Serve: Let the pasta rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Description
This easy slow cooker pasta is rich, saucy, cheesy, and wonderfully comforting. The large paccheri tubes hold onto the marinara sauce, while melted mozzarella creates a delicious glazed finish. It’s a fuss-free dish that feels special enough for Sunday dinner but is simple enough for a busy evening.
Tips
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Paccheri can become soft quickly, so start checking it toward the lower end of the cooking time.
- Stir gently: The large pasta tubes can break if stirred too aggressively.
- Use a flavorful sauce: Since there are only three main ingredients, a good-quality marinara makes a big difference.
- For extra creaminess: Add the mozzarella during the final stage rather than at the beginning.
- Let it rest: A few minutes of resting helps the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta.
Variations
- Garlic Herb: Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning.
- Meaty: Stir in cooked Italian sausage or ground beef.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara.
- Cheese Lover’s: Replace some of the mozzarella with Parmesan or provolone.
- Vegetable: Add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini during the final hour.
Enjoy!
Serve this 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Glazed Paccheri hot with a simple green salad or crusty bread. It’s an easy, cheesy, satisfying pasta dinner that proves you don’t need a long ingredient list to make something delicious!
