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As autumn settles in, the craving for warm, hearty meals becomes irresistible. The crisp air and vibrant foliage signal a shift in our culinary desires, urging us to seek comfort in flavors that reflect the season. Nothing captures the essence of fall quite like a comforting pasta dish, especially one that simmers away in the background, allowing the aroma to envelop your home. Enter the Cozy Autumn Crockpot Pasta with Roasted Garlic: a delightful combination of creamy textures, rich flavors, and seasonal ingredients that make it the perfect dish for chilly evenings.

Fall Crockpot Pasta with Roasted Garlic

Warm up your fall evenings with this Cozy Autumn Crockpot Pasta featuring Roasted Garlic! This comforting dish combines creamy textures, rich flavors, and seasonal ingredients for the ultimate autumn meal. With penne pasta, roasted garlic, fresh spinach, and a blend of cheeses, you can let your crockpot do the work while your home fills with delightful aromas. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends, it's a delicious way to embrace the season's warmth and flavors. Explore this simple recipe and treat yourself and loved ones to a hearty autumn favorite!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound (16 ounces) penne pasta

1 cup roasted garlic (approximately 2 whole bulbs, roasted and mashed)

3 cups vegetable broth

1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 cup cream cheese, softened at room temperature

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Roasted Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the tops off two whole bulbs of garlic, drizzle them with a generous amount of olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Wrap the bulbs in aluminum foil and place them in the oven. Roast for about 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown. Once done, allow them to cool briefly, then squeeze the roasted cloves into a bowl and mash into a smooth paste.

    Layer Ingredients: In a large crockpot, combine the uncooked penne pasta, the mashed roasted garlic, the undrained diced tomatoes, the finely chopped onion, and the vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and give everything a gentle stir to ensure the ingredients are well-mixed.

      Add Creamy Elements: Cut the softened cream cheese into bite-sized chunks and distribute them evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. This will melt and blend into a rich, creamy sauce as the dish cooks.

        Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally to promote even cooking until the pasta reaches an al dente texture and the sauce thickens beautifully.

          Stir in Spinach and Cheese: About 15 minutes before you plan to serve, add the chopped fresh spinach and the shredded mozzarella cheese to the crockpot. Stir well to incorporate, allowing the cheese to melt and the spinach to wilt into the dish.

            Season to Taste: Taste the pasta mixture and adjust the seasoning by adding salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat. Stir until everything is well combined.

              Serve: Spoon the creamy pasta into individual bowls and garnish generously with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant touch and an extra layer of flavor.

                Enjoy: Serve the pasta hot alongside a slice of crusty bread, transforming it into a comforting, autumn-inspired meal that’s perfect for cozy gatherings!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 4-5 hours | Serves 6-8