Slow Cooker 3 Ingredient Buttered Pasta
This slow cooker 3-ingredient buttered pasta is proof that an easy dinner doesn’t need a long ingredient list to be satisfying. With just egg noodles, beef broth, and butter, you can make a rich, savory pasta dish with almost no hands-on preparation.
The slow cooking process allows the egg noodles to absorb the flavorful broth while the butter creates a silky, glossy coating. It’s an old-fashioned comfort food recipe that works beautifully as a simple weeknight dinner, hearty side dish, or easy addition to a family meal.
If you love easy slow cooker recipes, 3-ingredient dinners, or simple comfort food made with pantry staples, this buttery pasta deserves a place in your regular rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pasta
- Only 3 main ingredients: Simple pantry and refrigerator staples are all you need.
- Easy weeknight dinner: Minimal preparation makes this perfect for busy evenings.
- Rich and comforting: Butter and beef broth give the noodles a savory, satisfying flavor.
- Budget-friendly: An inexpensive package of egg noodles can feed the whole family.
- Versatile side dish: Serve it alongside chicken, beef, meatballs, or roasted vegetables.
- Family-friendly: Tender buttery noodles are an easy favorite for both kids and adults.
- Great comfort food: The warm, savory flavors make this especially cozy during cooler months.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
How to Make 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pasta
1. Prepare the slow cooker
Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker to help prevent sticking.
2. Add the ingredients
Place the dry egg noodles in the slow cooker. Pour the beef broth over the noodles and distribute the butter pieces evenly over the top.
3. Cook until tender
Cover and cook on HIGH for about 1½ to 2 hours, stirring once or twice during cooking if possible. The noodles should become tender while absorbing most of the broth.
4. Create the buttery coating
Once the noodles are tender, stir everything thoroughly so the butter and remaining broth coat the pasta evenly. If there is still too much liquid, cook uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Serve
Serve the buttery pasta immediately while hot. It can be enjoyed as an easy main dish or served as a comforting side with your favorite protein and vegetables.
Easy Ways to Add More Flavor
Although this recipe is intentionally simple, you can easily customize it without making it complicated.
- Add freshly ground black pepper for a little warmth.
- Stir in garlic powder for extra savory flavor.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the finished noodles.
- Add chopped fresh parsley for freshness and color.
- Top with shredded cooked chicken to turn the pasta into a complete meal.
- Stir in leftover roast beef or sliced cooked beef for a heartier dinner.
What to Serve With Buttered Slow Cooker Pasta
Because these noodles are rich and buttery, they pair especially well with lighter sides.
Try serving them with:
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted broccoli
- A crisp green salad
- Roasted carrots
- Garlic bread
- Warm dinner rolls
- Grilled or roasted chicken
- Homemade beef meatballs
Helpful Tips
Keep an eye on the liquid. Slow cookers vary in temperature, so start checking the pasta toward the earlier end of the cooking time. If the noodles need more liquid, add a small amount of hot beef broth.
Don’t overcook the noodles. Egg noodles become soft quickly once they are fully hydrated. Begin checking them around 1½ hours.
Use low-sodium broth. This gives you better control over the salt level, especially if you plan to add Parmesan or other salty ingredients.
Stir before serving. A good final stir helps distribute the butter and broth evenly throughout the noodles.
Want thicker, richer noodles? Leave the lid off for the final 10 to 15 minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating, add a small splash of beef broth or water before warming. This helps loosen the noodles and brings back some of their creamy, buttery texture.
