last 20–30 minutes of cooking.
If you prefer a lighter dish, use all broth and skip the cream, then stir in just a splash of milk or a spoonful of cream cheese at the end for silkiness. Whole-wheat or high-fiber pasta works well but may need a touch more liquid and a few extra minutes in the slow cooker—just keep an eye on it so it stays tender, not mushy. You can also brighten the flavors with a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving, which gives a nice contrast
