Description

This Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta is an easy, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy dish that combines tender pasta with a rich, savory sauce. Featuring a blend of cream of chicken and mushroom soups, sour cream, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting, hands-off meal. Optional protein and vegetables make it fully customizable to your taste.

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)

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Instructions

Prep the Slow Cooker: Spray the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Add the uncooked pasta directly into the slow cooker; if using short-cook noodles, reserve a small amount for later addition to avoid overcooking.
Make the Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) until smooth and well combined.
Combine: Pour the prepared sauce over the pasta in the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Add shredded chicken and frozen vegetables like peas or broccoli if desired, mixing them into the pasta and sauce mixture.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or on high for about 2 hours. Stir halfway through cooking to distribute heat and flavors evenly. Check the pasta for doneness; if it’s still slightly undercooked, add a splash more milk, cover, and continue cooking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until pasta is tender.
Finish & Serve: Once cooked, stir the pasta gently again. Optionally, top with extra shredded cheddar, Parmesan cheese, 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 that hold sauce well to avoid mushiness.
Chicken is the classic protein, but cooked sausage or ground beef can be substituted.
For a veggie boost, add frozen peas, spinach, or chopped bell peppers during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
This meal can be made ahead by assembling in the slow cooker insert, covering, and refrigerating overnight; then cook as directed the next day.