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Easy Slow Cooker Tomato Feta Pasta Recipe

Easy Slow Cooker Tomato Feta Pasta

Cherry tomatoes and block feta cook with garlic, olive oil, and herbs to make a creamy crockpot sauce for pasta. The pasta is prepared separately and tossed with the finished sauce for the best texture.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pints Cherry or grape tomatoes
  • 8 ounces Block feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced or thinly sliced
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red pepper flakes, optional
Pasta
  • 12 ounces Pasta such as penne, rotini, or spaghetti
  • 1/2 cup, as needed Reserved pasta water
Garnish
  • 1/4 cup, optional Fresh basil, chopped

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Add the tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, oregano or Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to the slow cooker. Stir gently so the tomatoes are coated.
  2. Place the block of feta in the center of the tomatoes and drizzle it with a little of the olive oil. Cover and cook on HIGH for about 2 hours, until the tomatoes are soft and beginning to burst and the feta is hot and soft.
  3. Near the end of the slow-cooker time, boil the pasta in salted water for 8–12 minutes, or until just al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  4. Stir the softened tomatoes and feta together in the slow cooker until they form a creamy, chunky sauce. Break up larger tomato pieces as desired, while leaving some texture in the mixture.
  5. Add the drained pasta and toss well with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water one or two tablespoons at a time until the sauce coats the pasta smoothly.
  6. Stir in the chopped fresh basil just before serving. Taste carefully and serve immediately while the sauce is warm and creamy.

Notes

Use block feta rather than pre-crumbled feta for a creamier sauce. Cook the pasta separately because uncooked pasta can become unevenly cooked or mushy in the slow cooker. For a longer schedule, some versions cook the sauce on LOW for 3–4 hours.