Slow-CookerPork Ditalini Stew

"Everyone knows that slow cookers can be a lifesaver on harried days, and few cuts of meat are better suited to the device than savory pork shoulder (also known as Boston butt), which turns supremely tender after a day of low and slow simmering. A handful of baby spinach adds a pop of freshness and color to the mix—but a bag of frozen spinach or kale would work in a pinch, too. Stirring some bite-size ditalini (or any petite, short pasta) into the rich tomato and chicken stock at the end of cooking gives the dish an appealing, comforting texture and transforms it into a colorful and convenient one-pot slow cooker meal that's as perfect for a weeknight family dinner as it is for a Sunday afternoon watching the big game. Trust us, this satisfying but surprisingly light dish is going to quickly become one of your new staples...."