This post is about crockpot Italian sausage.
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If you're a fan of mixing savory & sweet, this appetizer might be one you love! It's one of our go-to's for a week night meal. The prep takes no time, and it will cook itself in the crockpot! Italian sausage makes this one have a little spice and tons of flavor despite how simple it is to actually make!
This post is about crockpot Italian sausage.
Italian Sausage Pasta Ingredients:
- 5 - Italian sausage links (mild, medium, or hot)
- 3 - Bell peppers
- 2 - Sweet yellow onions
- 24oz - Tomato basil sauce
- 16oz - Penne
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Parmesan (optional)
Materials:
Crockpot Italian Sausage How-To:
1. Prep the veggies by slicing onion and peppers into strips. You can dice the vegetables if you prefer, but we like to cut ours into strips.
2. It's time to assemble in the crockpot. Place the sausage links on one side of the crockpot. Add peppers and onions to the other side. Pour the entire jar of pasta sauce over everything.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Be sure to check the sausage temperature with a meat thermometer. Internal temperature should reach 160F for food safety. Times may vary depending on crockpot model.
4. Before you remove from crockpot begin cooking your pasta according to package instructions.
5. Slice sausage into bite-sized pieces and serve over pasta. You also could add sausages in buns topped with mozzarella to enjoy it sandwich-style!
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Recipe FAQs:
Can I change the onion or pepper type?
Yes! Sweet yellow onions taste best, but a white onion or even a red onion can get the job done. Bell pepper color doesn't matter, so use whatever you have! The star of the show is the crockpot Italian sausage, but these veggies will add some flavor!
Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely! Add more pepper or onions to taste, or mix in mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach near the end of cooking.
What if I don't have penne pasta?
Any pasta works. Penne is great because of the shape, but you could swap it with whatever you have. We also love using goodles for extra protein and fiber!
How else can I serve this?
Besides pasta, try serving in a hoagie rolls or buns topped with mozzarella for a sausage and pepper sub!
Do I have to use Italian sausage?
Italian sausage is my favorite part of this recipe, but you can make some substitutions! Chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage works too. Be sure to check your cooking temps accordingly.
Crockpot Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours and 5 minutes
- Yield: ~4~
Description
This crockpot Italian sausage pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner. Juicy Italian sausage links simmer all day with sweet peppers, onions, and rich tomato sauce for a hearty, flavorful dish that requires almost no effort. Serve it over pasta for a comforting family meal, or pile it into buns with melted mozzarella for a classic sausage-and-pepper sub. Flexible, hands-off, and delicious, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 5 – Italian sausage links (mild, medium, or hot)
- 3 – Bell peppers
- 2 – Medium sweet yellow onions
- 24 oz – Tomato sauce
- 16 oz – Penne
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the veggies by slicing onion and peppers into strips. You can dice them if you prefer, but we like to cut ours into strips.
- It’s time to assemble in the crockpot. Place the sausage links in the crockpot. Add the peppers and onions in. Pour the entire jar of pasta sauce over everything.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Be sure to check the sausage temperature with a meat thermometer. Internal temperature should reach 160°F for food safety. Time may vary depending on crockpot model.
- Before you remove from crockpot begin cooking your pasta according to package instructions.
- Slice sausage into bite-sized pieces and serve over pasta. You also could add sausages in buns topped with mozzarella to enjoy it sandwich-style.
Notes
If you’d like to make any ingredient adjustments, I’ve outlines adjustments in the blog post above.
Additional notes can be found in the blog post above.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
Yum! Loved how easy. Would love more crockpot ideas.
Great weeknight meal. Have you ever made it with spaghetti squash? Was thinking that may be good for a low carb option.