Quick Slow Cooker Sausage Pasta Recipe

There are days when I need a dinner that practically cooks itself while filling the house with incredible aromas. This Slow Cooker Sausage Pasta is my answer to busy evenings, blending rich flavors without requiring hours of standing over the stove.

By letting the sauce simmer slowly, the beef sausages become incredibly tender and infuse every bite with savory goodness. It is a hearty, comforting meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile.

What Makes This Slow Cooker Sausage Pasta So Special

The creamy tomato sauce develops a depth of flavor that you just cannot get from a quick stovetop simmer. Everything melts together beautifully, creating a rich texture that coats the pasta perfectly.

It is also incredibly budget-friendly, using simple pantry staples to create a substantial meal that feeds a crowd. You can easily stretch it further with extra vegetables or save portions for freezer-friendly lunches later in the week.

Cleanup is a breeze since the heavy lifting happens in one pot before you even boil the noodles. I appreciate how low-maintenance this recipe is, allowing me to focus on other things while dinner takes care of itself.

If you enjoyed this hearty meal, you should definitely try my Savory Sausage and Kale Soup Recipe for another warming option. I also recommend the Cozy Vegetable Orzo Soup Recipe when you want something lighter but equally comforting.

Everything You Need for Slow Cooker Sausage Pasta

Here are the fresh ingredients and pantry staples required for this recipe:

• Beef Sausages: Use high-quality beef or turkey sausages for the best flavor and texture.
• Onion: A sliced brown or yellow onion provides a sweet, savory base for the sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes: One can forms the body of the sauce, offering acidity and brightness.
• Beef Stock: Adds depth and saltiness to the liquid; low-sodium versions work well if you prefer to control seasoning.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and helps thicken the mixture as it cooks.
• Dried Italian Herbs: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme gives the dish that classic aromatic profile.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and beautiful color to the creamy sauce.
• Ground Cumin: Provides a hint of earthiness that complements the beef perfectly.
• Mushrooms: Sliced button or cremini mushrooms add texture and absorb the savory sauce.
• Cream Cheese: Creates the luxurious, creamy finish that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Penne Pasta: A sturdy tube pasta holds the thick sauce well, though rotini or rigatoni are great alternatives.
• Grated Cheese: Cheddar, Colby, or Mozzarella works best for melting over the top before serving.

My Method for Slow Cooker Sausage Pasta

Let’s get cooking with these simple steps:

1. Start by building the flavor base directly in your slow cooker bowl. Add the sliced onion, crushed tomatoes, beef stock, tomato paste, dried Italian herbs, paprika, cumin, and sliced mushrooms, then stir everything until well combined. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sauce before the meat is added.
2. Place the whole, raw beef sausages into the slow cooker and toss them gently to coat them completely in the tomato mixture. Cover the pot with the lid and set it to cook; you will want to let it go for approximately 4 hours on high or roughly 6 hours on low to ensure the meat is tender and fully cooked.
3. About 20 minutes before you are ready to serve, boil a pot of salted water on the stove and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions. Drain the noodles well when they reach al dente texture, as you do not want them to become mushy when added to the hot sauce later.
4. Remove the cooked sausages from the slow cooker carefully using tongs and transfer them to a cutting board to slice into bite-sized pieces. While the meat is out of the pot, stir the softened cream cheese into the hot tomato sauce until it melts completely and creates a uniform, orange-hued mixture.
5. Return the sliced sausages to the slow cooker along with the cooked, drained pasta. Stir everything gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta and sausage is coated in the thick, creamy sauce, then season with salt and pepper to your preference.
6. Serve the pasta immediately while it is piping hot. I like to scatter a generous amount of grated cheese over individual bowls, or you can sprinkle it over the mixture in the pot and let it melt slightly from the residual heat before dishing it out.

My Best Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Sausage Pasta

If you want a deeper flavor profile, try browning the Slow Cooker Sausage Pasta meat in a skillet before adding it to the pot. This extra step caramelizes the casing and adds a nice texture, though it is not strictly necessary if you are short on time.

Be careful not to overcook the noodles since they will continue to soften slightly when mixed with the hot sauce. I usually drain them while they are still al dente so they maintain a pleasant bite when served.

For a smoother sauce consistency, cut the cream cheese into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature before stirring it in. This ensures it melts evenly into the tomato mixture without leaving any lumps behind.

How to Serve This Slow Cooker Sausage Pasta

A crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce perfectly. I also like to add a side of crusty garlic bread to scoop up every last drop of the savory tomato mixture.

If you are feeding a crowd, you can transfer the finished dish to a baking tray and broil the cheese on top until bubbly. This gives the Slow Cooker Sausage Pasta a wonderful golden crust that looks impressive on the dinner table.

Make sure to follow me on Pinterest for more easy family dinner inspiration and comforting recipes.

Creamy Slow Cooker Sausage Pasta

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• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 4 hr 15 min
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A rich and creamy tomato-based pasta dish with tender beef sausages made easily in the slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

• 760g beef sausages
• 500g penne pasta, cooked
• 200g mushrooms, sliced
• 1 brown onion, sliced
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 250g cream cheese, softened
• 240ml beef stock
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp dried Italian herbs
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Add the onion, crushed tomatoes, beef stock, tomato paste, Italian herbs, paprika, cumin, and mushrooms to the slow cooker bowl and mix well.
2. Add the raw beef sausages and coat them in the sauce. Cook on High for 4 hours or Low for 6 hours.
3. Cook the penne pasta on the stove according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
4. Remove the sausages from the slow cooker and slice them into small rounds.
5. Stir the cream cheese into the hot sauce in the slow cooker until smooth and combined.
6. Add the sliced sausages and cooked pasta back into the slow cooker. Stir to coat everything evenly.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve topped with grated cheese.

Notes

For a crispy top, transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil for 5 minutes. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Pasta Cooking: 10 min
• Cook Time: 4 hr
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 645
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 1350mg
• Fat: 53g
• Saturated Fat: 21g
• Unsaturated Fat: 26g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: slow cooker sausage pasta, crockpot beef pasta, creamy tomato pasta, easy family dinner, slow cooker meals