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Crockpot Bowtie Casserole

Crockpot Bowtie Casserole
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Crockpot Bowtie Casserole is a comforting and hearty slow-cooked meal combining tender al dente bowtie pasta, creamy melted cheeses, savory protein, vegetables, and flavorful seasonings. This family-friendly recipe requires minimal effort, with ingredients layered and slow-cooked to create a rich, melty, and satisfying casserole perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta, cooked al dente

Cheese

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Protein

  • 1 lb cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef (pre-cooked and sautéed)

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms

Other Ingredients

  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes or tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Cook bowtie pasta just until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool. Meanwhile, sauté your choice of protein with diced onions and minced garlic until browned and fragrant, developing rich flavors.
  2. Layer the Ingredients: In the crockpot, combine the cooked protein mixture, cooked pasta, diced tomatoes or sauce, spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, and most of the shredded cheeses. Sprinkle salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil evenly over the mixture to ensure balanced flavor in every bite.
  3. Slow Cook Gently: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking melts the cheese throughout, allows the flavors to meld, and creates a creamy sauce that coats each bowtie pasta beautifully.
  4. Finish with a Cheese Topping: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the casserole surface. Cover again and let the cheese melt and brown lightly, forming a delicious golden crust on top.
  5. Serve Warm and Enjoy: Once the cheese topping is bubbly and melty, serve the casserole hot. Garnish as desired and enjoy this comforting, family-friendly meal that disappears fast!

Notes

  • Use just-cooked pasta parboiled to al dente to avoid mushy texture after slow cooking.
  • Layer cheese and seasonings evenly for consistent gooeyness and flavor throughout.
  • Cook on low heat rather than high to prevent dried-out or rubbery pasta.
  • Sauté protein before adding to the crockpot to enhance depth of flavor.
  • Allow casserole to rest a few minutes after cooking for thickening before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crockpot, Bowtie Pasta, Casserole, Slow Cooker, Comfort Food, Family Dinner, Easy Meal

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/crockpot-bowtie-casserole/