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In recent years, the appeal of crockpot recipes has surged, transforming the way we approach meal preparation. With busy schedules and the constant demand for quick, yet nutritious meals, the slow cooker has become an indispensable kitchen appliance. It allows home cooks to create flavorful dishes with minimal effort, making it easy to enjoy home-cooked meals even on the busiest of days. One standout recipe that perfectly embodies the essence of the fall season is the Autumn Harvest Crockpot Pasta Primavera. This dish not only celebrates the bounty of seasonal vegetables but also offers a comforting, hearty meal that is both nourishing and satisfying.

Fall Crockpot Pasta Primavera

Discover the joy of cooking with the Autumn Harvest Crockpot Pasta Primavera, a perfect blend of seasonal vegetables and whole grain pasta that celebrates the flavors of fall. This easy, nutritious meal is ideal for busy days, allowing you to enjoy homemade goodness with minimal effort. Packed with healthy ingredients like butternut squash, carrots, and cherry tomatoes, this dish is not only delicious but also supports local farming and sustainable practices. Gather your family around the table for a comforting, wholesome meal that brings everyone together.
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Ingredients
  

12 oz whole grain penne pasta

1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes

1 cup carrots, sliced into thin rounds

1 cup Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

1 red bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces

1 medium zucchini, diced into 1-inch pieces

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, diced

4 cups vegetable broth

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by peeling the butternut squash and cutting it into 1-inch cubes. Next, slice the carrots into thin rounds, halve the Brussels sprouts, chop the red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces, and dice the zucchini into 1-inch pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and mince the garlic and onion.

    Layer the Ingredients: In the bowl of your crockpot, create a colorful layer by adding the diced butternut squash first, followed by the sliced carrots, halved Brussels sprouts, chopped bell pepper, diced zucchini, and halved cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle the minced garlic and diced onion evenly on top of the vegetables.

      Add Liquid and Seasoning: Carefully pour the vegetable broth over the layered vegetables, ensuring they are well-submerged. Now season the mixture by sprinkling with dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Finally, add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir gently but thoroughly to integrate all the ingredients.

        Cook: Cover your crockpot with the lid and set it to cook. Choose the low setting for 5-6 hours, or the high setting for 3-4 hours. The vegetables should become tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully during this time.

          Add Pasta: About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, open the crockpot and stir in the whole grain penne pasta. Make sure the pasta is covered by the broth; if necessary, add a little more vegetable broth to achieve this. Replace the lid and continue cooking until the pasta reaches an al dente texture.

            Serve: Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the dish hot, generously topped with grated Parmesan cheese and adorned with fresh basil leaves for a touch of elegance.

              Store Leftovers: Allow any leftover pasta primavera to cool to room temperature. Store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of vegetable broth to help revive the flavors.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 6 hours | Servings: 6-8

                  - Presentation Tips: To enhance the dish's appeal, consider serving it in individual bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a small basil sprig on top. This will add a vibrant touch that invites your guests to dig in!