Description
This Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta is an easy, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy dish perfect for hands-off meal prep. Featuring a rich ‘million dollar’ sauce made with cream soups, sour cream, cheddar, and Parmesan, this recipe delivers comforting flavors with minimal effort. Customizable with your choice of protein like shredded chicken and optional veggies such as peas or broccoli, it’s a versatile and crowd-pleasing casserole cooked gently in the slow cooker for perfect creaminess.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Protein
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or cavatappi)
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken, shredded (optional)
Million Dollar Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 cup frozen peas or broccoli florets (optional for veggie boost)
Instructions
- Prep the Slow Cooker: Spray the slow cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Add the uncooked pasta directly into the slow cooker. If using noodles that cook faster, reserve some to add later.
- Make the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) until smooth and well combined.
- Combine: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the pasta in the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat all the pasta with the sauce. Add the shredded cooked chicken and frozen vegetables like peas or broccoli florets if desired, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours, or on high for about 2 hours. Stir the pasta halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. Check for pasta tenderness near the end; if undercooked, add a splash more milk and continue cooking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until pasta is tender and creamy.
- Finish & Serve: Stir the pasta gently again before serving. Optionally, top with additional shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan, or chopped fresh parsley for garnish. Serve hot, ideally accompanied by garlic bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or cavatappi that hold up well to slow cooking.
- Chicken is the classic protein choice, but cooked sausage or ground beef can also be used.
- For extra veggies, add frozen peas, spinach, or chopped bell peppers during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight; then cook the next day for convenience.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste before serving.
