Add fresh spinach and pasta to the slow cooker with 4 simple ingredients for a meal so tasty your friends won’t stop asking for seconds

This Slow Cooker Spinach Pasta Primavera is a fresh, vegetable-loaded dish that shows crockpot meals can be light and colorful. By placing the pasta over the vegetables and stirring in the spinach at the end, the veggies keep their bright color and tender-crisp texture. A smooth Parmesan cream sauce brings everything together for a satisfying yet vibrant dinner. It’s an excellent way to use leftover produce while creating a wholesome, feel-good meal.

Slow Cooker Spinach Pasta Primavera

Ingredients

• 8 oz (about 4 cups) dry short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
• 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Layer the Vegetables
Lightly coat a 4–6 quart slow cooker with cooking spray or oil. Spread the onion, broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, peas, and cherry tomatoes evenly across the bottom. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle garlic, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes over the top.

Step 2: Add the Pasta
Scatter the uncooked pasta evenly over the vegetable layer.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together broth, cream, and ¾ cup of the Parmesan cheese. Carefully pour the mixture over the pasta, making sure most of it is covered. Gently press down any pieces sticking above the liquid.

Step 4: Cook Slowly
Cover and cook on Low for 2–3 hours. Check around the 2-hour mark and stir gently halfway through cooking for even texture. The dish is ready when the pasta is tender.

Step 5: Stir in Spinach
Add the fresh spinach and fold it in. The heat from the pasta will wilt it within a minute. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a small splash of extra broth.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve
Adjust seasoning to taste. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan over the top. Let the pasta sit on the Warm setting for 5–10 minutes to thicken slightly before serving in warm bowls.