Delicious Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Pasta
When my husband and I indulged in this hearty meal, we couldn’t help but overeat—it was that good! We were so full, we needed help getting into bed!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz wide egg noodles
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
- Transfer the cooked sausage to your slow cooker. Add the sliced onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, red wine, chicken broth, and tomato paste.
- Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper.
- Stir everything together, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- About 20-30 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and stir them into the slow cooker.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, then top the dish with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Variations & Tips:
For a lighter version, substitute the pork sausage with turkey sausage. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can replace the sausage with a plant-based alternative or add extra vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms. You can also experiment with different types of pasta such as pappardelle, or opt for gluten-free noodles to suit dietary needs. For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream towards the end of cooking.
This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a cozy night in!
