Easy Crockpot Pasta: Creamy Tomato & Sausage (Print Version)

Simple, delicious Easy Crockpot Pasta Recipes for busy weeknights! Creamy tomato, sausage, and penne in one pot. No fuss, just comforting flavors.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 3 Hours 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Contains Meat

# Ingredients:

→ Hearty Base

01 - Ground Italian Sausage
02 - Crushed Tomatoes (28 oz can)
03 - Chicken Broth (3 cups)
04 - Heavy Cream (1/2 cup)
05 - Penne Pasta (12 oz)

→ Flavor Boosters

06 - Yellow Onion (1 medium, chopped)
07 - Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
08 - Dried Oregano (1 tsp)
09 - Dried Basil (1 tsp)
10 - Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 tsp, or more to taste)

→ Finishing Touches

11 - Fresh Spinach (5 oz, roughly chopped)
12 - Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, freshly grated, plus more for serving)
13 - Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, chopped, for garnish)

→ Optional Extras

14 - Mozzarella Cheese (1/2 cup, shredded)
15 - A splash of dry red wine (1/4 cup)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get that ground Italian sausage browning in a skillet on the stovetop. Break it up with a spoon, you know the drill. Once it's mostly cooked through, drain any excess grease. Trust me, you don't want a greasy pasta. Then, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them get nice and fragrant, softening up for a few minutes. This step builds the foundation of flavor, and honestly, the smell alone starts making your kitchen feel warm and inviting. I always forget to salt the sausage here, but it's okay, we can adjust later!
02 - Now, transfer that browned sausage, onion, and garlic mixture into your trusty crockpot. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and those red pepper flakes. Give it all a good mix, making sure everything is combined. This is where the magic truly begins for your Easy Crockpot Pasta. I sometimes splash a little red wine in here, just because, but it's totally optional. Don't worry if it looks a bit soupy; it'll thicken up.
03 - Cover your crockpot and let it do its thing. Cook on low for about 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You want the flavors to meld and deepen, getting all happy together. During this time, your house is going to start smelling absolutely incredible, I promise. It's that comforting, "someone's cooking something good" kind of smell. I usually peek in once or twice, just to admire the bubbling goodness. So satisfying!
04 - With about 30-45 minutes left in the cooking time (or when the sauce is looking rich and bubbly), it's time for the pasta! Stir in the penne and the heavy cream. Give it another good stir to make sure the pasta is submerged in the sauce. This is a crucial step for truly Easy Crockpot Pasta, as the pasta will cook directly in the sauce. I once added the pasta too early, and it turned into a mushy mess. Learn from my oops moment!
05 - Continue cooking until the pasta is tender, but still has a little bite – al dente, you know? This usually takes another 30-45 minutes on low. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach. It'll wilt down in minutes, adding a lovely bit of green and freshness. This is where you can taste and adjust seasonings. Need more salt? A little more pepper? Go for it! I always add a bit more Parmesan here too. Don't be shy!
06 - Ladle your glorious Easy Crockpot Pasta into bowls. Sprinkle with a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and some fresh parsley. Honestly, it looks so inviting, warm, and utterly delicious. It's the kind of meal that makes you feel like you've really accomplished something, even though the crockpot did most of the work! Grab a fork, get comfy, and enjoy every single bite.

# Notes:

01 - Always brown your sausage first for maximum flavor. I learned this the hard way with a bland batch.
02 - To avoid mushy pasta, add it only in the last 30-45 minutes of cooking.
03 - If you're out of heavy cream, a little cream cheese can add richness, but the texture will be different.
04 - Serve with a side of crusty garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - 6-quart Crockpot
02 - Large Skillet
03 - Cutting Board
04 - Knife
05 - Measuring Cups and Spoons

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 650
Total Fat: 35g
Total Carbohydrate: 55g
Protein: 30g

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