Description
Craving a rich, comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a romantic Valentine’s Day meal? Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is your answer! Adapted from the original stovetop recipe, this slow cooker version features ground Italian sausage, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach in a luscious cream sauce infused with chicken broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese, all tossed with penne pasta and garnished with fresh basil.
Ingredients
- Penne Pasta (1 lb, ~4 cups dry):
- Why it’s important: Provides a hearty, sauce-catching base for the dish.
- Substitutions: Rigatoni, fusilli, or gluten-free pasta.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp):
- Why it’s important: Used to brown the sausage and enhance flavor.
- Substitutions: Avocado oil, vegetable oil, or butter.
- Italian Sausage, Ground (1 lb):
- Why it’s important: Adds savory, spicy depth to the dish.
- Substitutions: Ground turkey, chicken sausage, or plant-based sausage for vegetarian.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced, ~4 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Infuses the sauce with aromatic, savory flavor.
- Substitutions: 1 tsp garlic powder or 2 tsp garlic paste.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes (½ cup, chopped):
- Why it’s important: Brings tangy, concentrated tomato flavor.
- Substitutions: Roasted red peppers, fresh cherry tomatoes, or 2 tbsp tomato paste.
- Chicken Broth (1 cup):
- Why it’s important: Forms the savory base of the sauce.
- Substitutions: Vegetable broth, beef broth, or water with a bouillon cube.
- Italian Seasoning (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds classic Italian herb flavor with oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Substitutions: ½ tsp dried oregano + ½ tsp dried basil or fresh herbs (1 tbsp mixed).
- Red Pepper Flakes (½ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Provides a subtle, spicy kick.
- Substitutions: Cayenne (use less), hot sauce, or omit for milder flavor.
- Heavy Cream (2 cups):
- Why it’s important: Creates a rich, creamy sauce.
- Substitutions: Half-and-half (thinner sauce), coconut cream for dairy-free, or cashew cream.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 cup):
- Why it’s important: Adds nutty, savory richness to the sauce.
- Substitutions: Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or nutritional yeast for vegan.
- Baby Spinach (2 cups, ~2 oz):
- Why it’s important: Adds fresh, vibrant color and nutrition.
- Substitutions: Kale, arugula, or Swiss chard.
- Salt (to taste, about ½ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Enhances the flavors of the sauce and pasta.
- Substitutions: Sea salt or kosher salt.
- Black Pepper (to taste, about ¼ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds mild heat and depth.
- Substitutions: White pepper or a pinch of cayenne.
- Fresh Basil Leaves (¼ cup, torn, for garnish):
- Why it’s important: Adds a fresh, aromatic finish.
- Substitutions: Parsley, oregano, or omit.
Additional for Slow Cooker:
- Olive Oil or Cooking Spray (1 tbsp):
- Why it’s important: Prevents sticking in the slow cooker.
- Substitutions: Vegetable oil or avocado oil.
Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth melt, and chop sun-dried tomatoes finely for even distribution. Choose mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your preference.
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tbsp olive oil. Add 1 lb ground Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Drain excess fat if desired, and transfer the sausage to the slow cooker.
- Tip: Brown the sausage in small batches to ensure even cooking, and leave some fat for flavor if not too greasy.
Step 2: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
- Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add the browned sausage, 4 minced garlic cloves, ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp red pepper flakes, and 2 cups heavy cream to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Tip: If using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drain excess oil to avoid an overly greasy sauce, and stir well to distribute seasonings.
Step 3: Slow Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 1.5–2 hours, until the sauce is hot and the flavors are melded.
- Stir in 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 2 cups baby spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking, stirring until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts. Season with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper to taste.
- Tip: Stir halfway through cooking to ensure even blending, and add a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
- About 15 minutes before the slow cooker is done, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 lb penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions (typically 8–10 minutes).
- Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Tip: Rinse pasta briefly with cold water to stop cooking, but don’t over-rinse to retain some starch for sauce adhesion.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
- Add the cooked penne to the slow cooker, tossing gently to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed.
- Tip: Toss gently to avoid breaking the pasta, and ensure the sauce coats evenly for maximum flavor.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the pasta hot, spooned into bowls or plates, ensuring each portion has plenty of sauce, sausage, and spinach.
- Garnish with ¼ cup torn fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese for a vibrant finish.
- Pair with garlic bread, a Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Tip: Serve family-style in a large dish for gatherings, or portion into heart-shaped bowls for a romantic Valentine’s Day touch.
