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In a world where time is often at a premium, the allure of slow-cooked meals has captured the hearts of home cooks everywhere. There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of a dish simmering gently, filling your kitchen with tantalizing scents that promise warmth and nourishment. Among the many culinary treasures that slow cooking offers, one standout recipe is Slow-Cooked Tomato Basil Pasta. This dish embodies the essence of simplicity while delivering a burst of flavor that is both satisfying and wholesome.

Crockpot Tomato Basil Pasta

Discover the joy of slow cooking with this delicious Slow-Cooked Tomato Basil Pasta recipe. This comforting dish combines fresh ingredients like savory diced tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fragrant basil, simmering together to create a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect for busy nights, it requires minimal effort and delivers maximum taste. Whether you prefer it creamy or light, this versatile meal caters to everyone. Gather your loved ones and enjoy a wholesome culinary experience that's sure to impress!

Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) penne pasta

2 cans (28 oz each) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 medium onion, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup vegetable broth

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus extra for garnish

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy version)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic cloves. Gather and measure out the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, olive oil, and spices, so everything is ready for assembly.

    Layer in the Crockpot: In a large crockpot, pour in the undrained diced tomatoes along with their juice. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Then, stir in the vegetable broth, olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if desired), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well until fully combined.

      Add the Pasta: Carefully pour the penne pasta into the crockpot, ensuring it is fully submerged in the tomato mixture. Gently stir to distribute the pasta evenly throughout the sauce.

        Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and set to cook on the low heat setting for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours. Plan to stir occasionally to promote even cooking and to help the pasta absorb the delicious flavors. If you choose to make it creamy, stir in the heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of the cooking time.

          Incorporate Fresh Basil: Once the pasta is cooked and tender, stir in the freshly chopped basil leaves. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if necessary to enhance the flavors.

            Serve: Use a ladle to serve the pasta into individual bowls, generously topping each serving with grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves to add a vibrant touch. Savor your delightful slow-cooked comfort dish!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 4 hrs | 6 servings