Easy Creamy Crock Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe for Perfect Weeknight Dinner
A comforting and creamy Italian sausage pasta made effortlessly in a crock pot, perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines hearty sausage, tender pasta, and a rich sauce for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 8 ounces uncooked penne or rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat and transfer sausage to the crock pot.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add to the crock pot with the sausage.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Add drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Stir in uncooked pasta, ensuring it is mostly submerged. Add a splash more broth or water if needed.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. Check pasta doneness around 3 hours to avoid overcooking; pasta should be tender but firm.
- When pasta is cooked, stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
Browning the sausage before adding to the crock pot enhances flavor but can be skipped to save time. Use tubular pasta like penne or rigatoni to hold the sauce better. Drain canned tomatoes well to avoid excess liquid. Check pasta early to prevent overcooking. For extra creaminess, add more cream or cream cheese at the end. If sauce is too thick, stir in warm broth or cream; if too runny, cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes to reduce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 575
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2.5
- Protein: 27
Keywords: Italian sausage pasta, crock pot pasta, creamy pasta, slow cooker dinner, weeknight dinner, easy pasta recipe, comfort food