This easy Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Penne Pasta is a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for busy nights. With tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and savory Italian sausage, it’s a comforting dish the whole family will love. You can swap the peppers for your favorites or add extra spice for a kick. Just set it and forget it!

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Recipe Ingredients

• 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil
• 1 lb (454 g) ground Italian sausage
• 1 (26-oz / 737-g) can tomato pasta sauce
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, diced
• 2 yellow bell peppers, cut into ½-inch (1.3-cm) pieces
• 2 red bell peppers, cut into ½-inch (1.3-cm) pieces
• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• Shredded Parmesan cheese, for topping

How To Make Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Penne Pasta

1. Brown the sausage: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Set aside.
2. Layer the ingredients: Pour half of the tomato sauce into a 6-quart (6-litre) slow cooker. Add the onion, garlic, bell peppers, and cooked sausage. Top with the remaining sauce.
3. Cook the mixture: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours until the vegetables are tender.
4. Cook the pasta: Prepare the penne according to the package instructions. Drain well.
5. Combine and serve: Stir the cooked pasta into the sausage mixture. Serve hot, sprinkled with shredded Parmesan cheese.

Recipe Tips

• Brown the sausage well: Cooking the sausage until it’s nicely browned adds extra flavor to the sauce. Don’t rush this step!
• Use a good-quality tomato sauce: A rich, well-seasoned pasta sauce makes a big difference in taste. Choose one with simple, natural ingredients.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook the penne just until al dente, so it holds up well when mixed with the sauce. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy.
• Let the flavors develop: Cooking on low for 8 hours gives the best depth of flavor, but if you’re short on time, 4 hours on high still works well.
• Add the pasta last: Stir in the cooked pasta just before serving to prevent it from absorbing too much liquid and becoming too soft.  

Recipe FAQs and Variations

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• Slow Cooker Thai-Style Fish Parcels
• Slow Cooker Sage & Mustard Pork
• Slow Cooker Fall-apart Beef Brisket