Delicious pasta dishes are only a crock pot away. While it is true that pasta can be a bit tricky in the crock pot, with a little knowledge you will soon be turning out perfect pasta. There are several ways you can do pasta when you use the crock pot, and it all depends on what recipe you decide to make.
Preparing Pasta Separately
In some recipes, it is recommended to cook your pasta completely before adding it to your recipe. Alternatively, your crock pot contents might be served on a bed of noodles. You may find this works well with stroganoff, roasted meats with sauces, and other similar recipes.
Some recipes may ask you to partially cook your pasta in boiling water until it is just barely tender. They then suggest adding the semi-cooked pasta to the crock pot for the last half hour or so of cooking. You may use this technique with dishes like chicken Alfredo, casseroles and other meals. This method allows the noodles to finish cooking in the crock pot, soaking up some of the flavors in the sauce.
Making the pasta separately is more work than just using the crock pot. However, taking the time to boil your water and cook the pasta just right gives you perfect noodles when you need them. This technique is not appropriate for all recipes, however.
Tossing it in the Pot
You will find some recipes are meant for uncooked pasta. While these recipes mean less work for you, the pasta will still need to be added near the end of the total cooking time. This technique would work well for a chicken noodle soup recipe, goulash or ramen. Most pasta should be added about 30 to 60 minutes before serving. For ramen, it only needs to cook on high for about 10 to 15 minutes.
You will also find recipes that need the pasta added at the very beginning. An example of this type of dish would be crock pot lasagna. Macaroni and cheese is also nice and creamy in the crock pot, but it is a dish that only takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours to cook. Leaving it any longer will result in mushy noodles. Baked ziti, stuffed shells, and thicker casseroles will have this requirement. Watch your cooking time, because these dishes often do not take all day to cook. Overcooked noodles will be soft and shapeless.
Pasta does just fine in the crock pot. All you need to do for success is to use the right approach for each recipe. Pasta is more delicate than something like beans, so keep an eye on the cooker until you know how the recipe will work. Sometimes it may take a few times to get it right.
With a little practice, you will be making wonderful pasta for your family with your handy crock pot. You will be enjoying comforting, hot pasta that tastes terrific and your family will love.
Preparing Pasta Separately
In some recipes, it is recommended to cook your pasta completely before adding it to your recipe. Alternatively, your crock pot contents might be served on a bed of noodles. You may find this works well with stroganoff, roasted meats with sauces, and other similar recipes.
Some recipes may ask you to partially cook your pasta in boiling water until it is just barely tender. They then suggest adding the semi-cooked pasta to the crock pot for the last half hour or so of cooking. You may use this technique with dishes like chicken Alfredo, casseroles and other meals. This method allows the noodles to finish cooking in the crock pot, soaking up some of the flavors in the sauce.
Making the pasta separately is more work than just using the crock pot. However, taking the time to boil your water and cook the pasta just right gives you perfect noodles when you need them. This technique is not appropriate for all recipes, however.
Tossing it in the Pot
You will find some recipes are meant for uncooked pasta. While these recipes mean less work for you, the pasta will still need to be added near the end of the total cooking time. This technique would work well for a chicken noodle soup recipe, goulash or ramen. Most pasta should be added about 30 to 60 minutes before serving. For ramen, it only needs to cook on high for about 10 to 15 minutes.
You will also find recipes that need the pasta added at the very beginning. An example of this type of dish would be crock pot lasagna. Macaroni and cheese is also nice and creamy in the crock pot, but it is a dish that only takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours to cook. Leaving it any longer will result in mushy noodles. Baked ziti, stuffed shells, and thicker casseroles will have this requirement. Watch your cooking time, because these dishes often do not take all day to cook. Overcooked noodles will be soft and shapeless.
Pasta does just fine in the crock pot. All you need to do for success is to use the right approach for each recipe. Pasta is more delicate than something like beans, so keep an eye on the cooker until you know how the recipe will work. Sometimes it may take a few times to get it right.
With a little practice, you will be making wonderful pasta for your family with your handy crock pot. You will be enjoying comforting, hot pasta that tastes terrific and your family will love.
About the Author:
Chicken noodle soup has been a favorite for generations. There is something comforting about the clear broth full of chicken and vegetables that makes a person feel cared for. Homemade soup contains all the flavor and nutrients found in the fresh ingredients. Just serve it up and your family will eat it all up.
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