Description
This Crockpot Sausage Pasta is an easy and quick dinner with simple pantry ingredients and the best creamy tomato flavor. It is a healthy-ish comfort food option with protein and tender pasta and cozy sauce. Try it for weeknight dinner and meal prep and potluck ideas when you need something warm and satisfying without much fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 small diced Yellow onion
- 3 cloves minced Garlic
- 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 12 ounces Penne pasta
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped Fresh parsley
Instructions
- The sausage changes from pink and soft to browned and crumbly while the onion turns glossy and the garlic clings to the uneven meat pieces. This first change gives the pasta base deeper flavor and a more homemade look.
- The browned sausage is moved into the crockpot and the crushed tomatoes and broth are poured around it so the mixture looks loose and red with sausage peeking through. The herbs and seasoning speckle the surface and begin blending into the sauce.
- The sauce darkens and thickens as the sausage softens into the tomato base and the surface becomes gently bubbled and uneven. The mixture now looks richer and less watery with small pockets of oil and herbs across the top.
- Dry penne is folded into the thick sauce and cream streaks turn the red base lighter in uneven swirls. The pasta begins to tuck under the sauce while some pieces remain visible on top for a clear texture change.
- The pasta turns tender and coated while mozzarella melts in uneven patches and Parmesan blends into the sauce. The top becomes creamy and stretchy with light browned edges and a few sausage pieces still visible.
- A single portion is plated with tender penne and sausage pieces stacked naturally and coated in creamy sauce. The melted cheese pulls unevenly across the pasta and parsley adds fresh scattered color.
Notes
Pro Tips:
- Brown the sausage first for deeper flavor.
- Add pasta near the end so it stays tender.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting.
- Stir gently so some cheese pockets remain visible.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream so the sauce loosens and the pasta stays creamy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (of 4)
- Calories: 890
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 3186mg
- Fat: 67g
- Carbohydrates: 71g
- Fiber: 8g
- Cholesterol: 176mg