Crockpot Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta

Introduction

Crockpot Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta is the ultimate cozy, flavor-packed comfort meal. It combines juicy Italian sausages, sweet bell peppers, onions, and a rich tomato sauce slow-cooked to perfection — all tossed with tender pasta for a satisfying, family-style dinner.

This dish celebrates the classic flavors of Italian-American cuisine, where simplicity meets soulfulness. The sausage infuses the sauce with savory depth, while the peppers and onions add sweetness and texture. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing the flavors to meld into something truly mouthwatering.

It’s an easy, no-fuss dinner that feels like it’s been simmering all day in a Nonna’s kitchen.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s effortless yet incredibly flavorful. There’s something magical about tossing a few ingredients into the crockpot and coming back to a rich, hearty meal that tastes like it’s been cooked with love for hours.

The sausages stay juicy and tender, the sauce becomes robust and slightly sweet, and the peppers add that perfect freshness. It’s hearty, comforting, and ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Plus, it’s a dish that everyone loves — from kids to adults — and it reheats beautifully for leftovers.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• One-pot crockpot meal — minimal cleanup
• Bold, comforting Italian flavors
• Feeds a crowd or makes great leftovers
• Customizable with your favorite pasta or sausage
• Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or family dinners

If you love pasta dishes with rich sauces and savory meat, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6–8 hours (slow cooker)
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: ~480 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Sausage and Peppers:

• 1½ lbs (680 g) Italian sausage links (mild or spicy)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) penne, rigatoni, or ziti
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Sear sausages and place them in the crockpot.
2. Add peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and seasonings.
3. Slow cook until everything is tender and flavorful.
4. Cook the pasta, combine with sauce, and serve with cheese.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Sear the Sausages (Optional but Recommended)

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sausage links and brown them for 2–3 minutes per side. (They don’t need to cook through.)
3. This step adds depth and prevents them from falling apart during slow cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Crockpot Base

1. Add sliced onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Place the browned sausages on top.
3. Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and chicken broth.
4. Stir in Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and sugar.

Step 3: Slow Cook

1. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
2. Stir occasionally if possible, ensuring the sauce doesn’t stick.
3. The sausages should be fork-tender, and the peppers soft and sweet.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

1. About 15 minutes before serving, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
2. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Slice the sausages into chunks or keep them whole — your choice!
2. Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and stir to coat evenly in sauce.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

How to Serve

• Serve hot in deep bowls with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
• Pair with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or a glass of red wine for the perfect Italian-inspired dinner.
• For gatherings, serve straight from the crockpot to keep it warm.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Brown the sausage first for the best flavor — this step caramelizes the meat and prevents excess grease.
• Use different colored bell peppers for a beautiful, vibrant dish.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or pasta water.
• For a lighter version, use chicken or turkey Italian sausage.
• Don’t overcook the pasta — it should stay firm when mixed with the sauce.

Variations

1. Spicy Sausage & Peppers Pasta – Use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes.
2. Cheesy Version – Stir in shredded mozzarella or provolone before serving.
3. Creamy Version – Add ½ cup of heavy cream or cream cheese for a rich, velvety sauce.
4. Low-Carb Option – Skip pasta and serve the sausage and peppers over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
5. Vegetable Boost – Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the sauce.

Freezing and Storage

To Store:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To Freeze:

• Cool completely before freezing.
• Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To Reheat:

• Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

• Crockpot / Slow Cooker (5–6 quart)
• Large skillet (for browning sausages)
• Pot for cooking pasta
• Mixing spoon and tongs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I use pre-cooked sausages?
Yes! Slice them and add directly to the crockpot — reduce cooking time by 1 hour.

Q2. What kind of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini holds the sauce well and mixes easily.

Q3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — the sauce tastes even better the next day. Just cook pasta fresh when serving.

Q4. Can I skip searing the sausages?
Yes, but searing adds flavor and a nice texture. Without it, the sausages may be softer.

Q5. How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your sausage and sauces are labeled gluten-free.

Conclusion

Crockpot Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta is a perfect example of comfort food made easy. The slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Juicy sausage, tender peppers, and perfectly coated pasta — all drenched in a savory tomato sauce — make this dish a weeknight winner and crowd favorite.

It’s flavorful, filling, and utterly irresistible — the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile.