Description
Creamy Cheesy Slow Cooker Pasta Delight brings comfort straight from kitchen to table with minimal effort. Rich cheese and tender pasta combine for a hearty meal that welcomes hungry diners with warm, satisfying flavors you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Protein and Dairy:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 (10 ¾ ounces) can cheddar cheese soup
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 3 ½ tablespoons butter
Pasta and Base:
- 2 cups uncooked elbow pasta
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Prepare elbow pasta according to package directions, cooking until tender yet firm (al dente). Thoroughly drain the pasta and reserve for subsequent steps.
- In a large skillet heated to medium temperature, slowly melt unsalted butter (or 49 grams) until completely liquefied.
- Gradually incorporate shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the melted butter, stirring consistently until the mixture transforms into a smooth, homogeneous liquid.
- Transfer the molten cheese mixture into the slow cooker, creating a rich base for the pasta dish.
- Add cooked pasta to the slow cooker, combining it meticulously with the cheese sauce.
- Introduce sour cream, cheddar cheese soup, whole milk (or 240 milliliters), salt, mustard powder, and paprika into the slow cooker. Gently stir all ingredients to ensure uniform distribution and comprehensive flavor integration.
- Configure the slow cooker to low heat setting, allowing the pasta to simmer and absorb flavors for approximately 2 hours. Periodically stir the mixture to prevent cheese from settling and to maintain consistent texture.
- After the cooking duration, verify the pasta has reached a creamy, bubbling consistency. Serve immediately while hot, directly from the slow cooker, and savor the indulgent, cheesy creation.
Notes
- Prep pasta ahead of time to ensure perfect texture and save cooking time during the slow cooker process.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting and richer flavor compared to pre-packaged cheese.
- Stir mixture periodically to prevent cheese from sticking and ensure even heat distribution.
- Low and slow cooking method helps develop deep, creamy cheese flavor without burning or separating.
- Adding mustard powder and paprika creates subtle complexity and enhances overall cheese taste profile.
- Keep lid closed during cooking to maintain moisture and prevent liquid evaporation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg