Easy, delicious, and simple to make, this Bored of Lunch Pasta Arrabbiata is a must-try, made in the slow cooker using chopped tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, garlic, and red chili.

To cook Pasta Arrabbiata in your slow cooker or crockpot, combine all the ingredients except the pasta and stock, and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5–6 hours. Then blend the sauce until smooth, add the pasta and stock, and cook for another 45-50 minutes.

If you want to heighten the flavor even more, soften the onion and garlic in a little oil in a frying pan before adding them to the slow cooker. If you just want to make the arrabbiata sauce, leave out the pasta and the stock.

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Bored of Lunch Slow Cooker Pasta Arrabbiata Ingredients

• 2 x 400g tins of chopped tomatoes
• 20 sweet cherry tomatoes, sliced
• 1 handful of fresh basil leaves
• 100ml of red wine (optional)
• 12 cloves of garlic, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 red chilli, chopped
• 1 tsp of dried oregano
• 1 tsp of dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 350g of dried penne pasta, or another preferred dried pasta shape
• 200ml of hot vegetable stock
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped sundried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

How To Make Bored of Lunch Slow Cooker Pasta Arrabbiata

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by slicing the cherry tomatoes, garlic, onion, and chopping the red chili and fresh basil. Gather all other ingredients as listed.
2. Combine Sauce ingredients: In your slow cooker, add both tins of chopped tomatoes, the sliced cherry tomatoes, garlic, onion, and chopped chili. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried thyme, and add the bay leaf. If using, pour in the red wine.
3. Season and Cook: Stir all the ingredients in the slow cooker to mix well. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Set your slow cooker to high and cook for 3 hours, or on low for 5-6 hours.
4. Blend the Sauce: After the cooking time has elapsed, remove the bay leaf, and use a handheld blender to purée the sauce until smooth.
5. Cook the Pasta: Add the dried pasta and hot vegetable stock to the smooth sauce in the slow cooker. Continue cooking for another 45-50 minutes, stirring after the first 30 minutes to ensure the pasta cooks evenly.
6. Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves, chopped sundried tomatoes, and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Is red wine necessary for the recipe?

No, red wine is not necessary for this recipe. It adds depth and richness to the sauce, but you can omit it without significant impact on the overall flavor. You might add a teaspoon of vinegar to mimic the wine’s acidity.

Recipe Tips

• Prep Ahead: Chop all your vegetables such as onions, garlic, and tomatoes the night before to save time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator.
• Enhance Flavors: Consider sautéing your garlic and onions until they turn golden for a deeper flavor profile before you add them to the slow cooker.
• Avoid Overcooking Pasta: To keep the pasta from becoming too soft, add it to the slow cooker when there are about 50 minutes left in the cooking process.
• Adjust Heat Levels: If you prefer a less spicy dish, reduce the amount of red chili or remove the seeds before chopping to temper the heat.

Recipe Variations

• Swap Pasta Type: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta instead of regular penne to cater to dietary preferences or nutritional goals.
• Add Protein: Introduce cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added protein.
• Vegan Version: Substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese, and ensure the vegetable stock is suitable for vegans.
• Include More Veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives to the slow cooker along with the tomatoes for a more robust and hearty dish.

What To Serve With Pasta Arrabbiata

Enjoy your Pasta Arrabbiata with some lovely, fresh sides like crunchy green salad, steamed broccoli, Rosemary Bread, sautéed spinach, or even some Sweet Potato Wedges.

You can also pair it with Stuffed Capsicum or a cucumber tomato salad for a refreshing contrast to the spicy pasta.

How To Store Leftover Pasta Arrabbiata

In The Fridge:

Store leftover Pasta Arrabbiata in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure it cools down to room temperature before you seal it. This will help maintain its taste and texture. Properly stored, it will last for up to 3-4 days.

In The Freezer:

Pasta Arrabbiata can be stored in the freezer, but it’s best to freeze the sauce separately from the pasta. Freeze the sauce in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to use.

How To Reheat Leftover Pasta Arrabbiata

Reheat your leftover Pasta Arrabbiata by placing it in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a little water or broth to keep the pasta moist and prevent it from sticking. Stir gently until heated through.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Bored of Lunch Slow Cooker Tex Mex Chicken Pasta
• Bored of Lunch Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
• Bored of Lunch Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese