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A creamy, cheesy slow cooker pasta dish featuring rotini pasta in a rich Velveeta and cheddar cheese soup sauce, made using a double boiler water bath method to prevent sticking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup half-and-half
  • 2/3 cup canned cheddar cheese soup
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 8 oz Velveeta, cubed (about 1/4 of a 32 oz block)
  • 2 1/2 cups rotini pasta, cooked al dente and drained
  • 1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add 2 1/2 cups rotini, cook until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a heat-safe bowl that fits inside a 6-quart slow cooker, whisk together 1 cup half-and-half, 2/3 cup canned cheddar cheese soup, and 1/4 cup melted butter until smooth.
  3. Cube 8 oz Velveeta into small pieces.
  4. Stir the cubed Velveeta into the sauce until melted and smooth.
  5. Fold the drained rotini into the cheese sauce until well coated.
  6. Place the bowl in the slow cooker and add hot water around the bowl to create a water bath, keeping the water level below the bowl rim; cover.
  7. Cook on low for 2 to 3 hours or on high for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring once halfway through, until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is hot and creamy.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness when reheating., Use a heat-safe bowl that fits neatly inside the slow cooker and maintain water level below the bowl rim during cooking., If the sauce is too thick, stir in some half-and-half or milk; if too thin, cook longer or add shredded cheese., Stirring halfway through helps maintain a smooth sauce and prevents clumps., For a crispy breadcrumb topping, transfer servings to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and broil briefly., Low-fat dairy may thin out the sauce and cause separation; warm gently and add additional half-and-half if needed., Add cooked protein (chicken, ham, bacon) or veggies (broccoli, mushrooms, red peppers) to customize., Swap Velveeta with shredded cheddar and cream cheese for a more authentic flavor but add extra liquid to maintain smoothness., Try different pasta shapes as alternatives, cooking them al dente before adding., Add spices like jalapeños, hot sauce, or smoked paprika to add heat., Refrigerate leftovers for 3 to 4 days; freeze up to 2 months (texture may alter slightly)., Reheat gently in microwave, stovetop, or oven, adding liquid as needed to restore creaminess., Prepare sauce and cheese cubes ahead of time and add fresh pasta before slow cooking for best texture.

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