Description
A cozy and satisfying one-pot slow cooker pasta dish with Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz short pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Garlic powder to taste
- Italian seasoning to taste
- Optional: Fresh basil, spinach, mushrooms, or red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Brown the sausage (optional): Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the sausage until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
- Mix the sauce: In a large bowl, combine marinara, broth, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Layer the crockpot: Add the uncooked pasta to the bottom of your slow cooker. Top with the browned sausage, pour the sauce mixture over everything, and stir gently to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours. Check at the 3-hour mark to ensure the pasta isn’t overcooking. Stir once or twice during cooking for even distribution.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. Cover and let it melt into gooey perfection.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
[‘Check the pasta early to avoid overcooking as every crockpot heats differently.’, ‘Browning the sausage adds extra flavor.’, ‘Layer the pasta on the bottom for even cooking and stir gently to avoid breaking the noodles.’, ‘Add cheese toward the end for optimal melting.’, ‘Reheat leftovers with a splash of broth or marinara to revive the creamy texture.’]
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Protein: 18
Keywords: Crockpot, Pasta, Italian Sausage, Marinara, Comfort Food, Slow Cooker, Easy Dinner, One-Pot Meal