Description
This Crock Pot Sausage Pasta is a comforting and easy slow cooker meal featuring Italian sausage, tender penne pasta, and a rich, creamy marinara sauce. Perfect for a hassle-free dinner, it combines bold flavors of garlic, onion, and herbs with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, garnished with fresh basil for a delicious Italian-American classic that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to reduce fat content.
- Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot: Transfer the browned sausage to the crock pot. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, marinara sauce, drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to combine well.
- Slow Cook the Sauce: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.
- Add and Cook Pasta: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, making sure it is fully submerged in the liquid. Cover again and cook on high for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but not mushy.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan until all the cheese melts, creating a creamy texture.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the dish sit for a few minutes to thicken. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving warm for the best flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute turkey sausage for Italian sausage.
- Add spinach or mushrooms into the crock pot for extra vegetables and nutrients.
- If the pasta absorbs too much liquid and the dish appears dry, add a splash of chicken broth before serving to loosen the sauce.
