Creamy Spinach Pasta Primavera Recipe (Easy Slow Cooker Meal)

Introduction

Spinach Pasta Primavera is a creamy, colorful, and comforting slow cooker meal packed with tender pasta and fresh vegetables. This easy recipe combines broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes, peas, and baby spinach in a rich Parmesan sauce for a delicious one-pot dinner the whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, this pasta primavera is simple to prepare and full of fresh flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 8 oz uncooked short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
• 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach, loosely packed
• 1 cup broccoli florets, bite-sized
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
• 1 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp dried basil (optional)
• 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley or extra spinach leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker
   Lightly grease the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with olive oil or nonstick spray.
2. Layer the Vegetables
   Add onion, broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, peas, and tomatoes to the slow cooker. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle in garlic, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Add the Pasta
   Pour the uncooked pasta evenly over the vegetables without stirring. This helps prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
4. Make the Sauce
   In a bowl, whisk together broth and cream. Stir in 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese until mostly blended.
5. Pour Over Ingredients
   Gently pour the sauce mixture into the slow cooker, making sure the pasta is mostly covered with liquid. Press lightly if needed, but do not stir.
6. Cook
   Cover and cook on LOW for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until pasta is tender. Check around the 2-hour mark and stir gently if needed.
7. Add Spinach
   Once pasta is cooked, fold in fresh spinach until wilted. Add a splash of broth or cream if the pasta seems dry.
8. Finish the Dish
   Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover and let sit on WARM for 5 to 10 minutes.
9. Serve
   Spoon into bowls and garnish with parsley or spinach leaves. Serve warm with extra Parmesan if desired.

Conclusion

Spinach Pasta Primavera is the perfect combination of creamy comfort food and fresh vegetables. With its rich Parmesan sauce and tender pasta, this slow cooker recipe is an easy and satisfying meal for any night of the week. Serve it as a main dish or pair it with garlic bread and a salad for a complete family dinner.