Introduction:
Bring the comforting flavors of a classic Italian skillet straight to your slow cooker with this incredibly rich and cozy meal! Juicy, savory sausage links and crisp-tender bell peppers simmer effortlessly in a velvety, seasoned cream sauce before getting tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s the ultimate hands-off weeknight dinner that delivers maximum comfort with minimal cleanup.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3–4 hours (Low) or 2 hours (High)
• Servings: 6 people
🛒 Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs: Sliced Italian sausage links or smoked sausage rounds (mild or hot)
- 1 box (16 oz): Penne pasta (or your favorite short pasta shape)
- 1 medium: Red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 medium: Green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 medium: Yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves: Garlic, finely minced
- 1 block (8 oz): Cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1/2 cup: Heavy cream
- 1 cup: Low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup: Shredded Parmesan cheese (or shredded Mozzarella for extra melt)
- 1 tsp: Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp: Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp: Onion powder
- To taste: Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- Optional garnish: Freshly chopped parsley or red pepper flakes
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Base: Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker insert with non-stick cooking spray. Add the sliced sausage links, red and green bell pepper strips, sliced onion, and minced garlic directly into the bottom.
- Season and Mix: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the meat and vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then give everything a quick stir to distribute the spices.
- Add the Creaminess: Place the cubed chunks of softened cream cheese evenly across the top of the mixture.
- Slow Cook: Cover tightly with the heavy lid and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours (or HIGH for 2 hours) until the peppers are tender and the sausage is completely cooked through.
- Create the Sauce: Remove the lid and use a whisk or large wooden spoon to stir the melted cream cheese completely into the warm broth until a smooth, velvety sauce forms. Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until fully melted.
- Incorporate the Pasta: While the sauce finishes, cook your penne pasta on the stove according to package instructions until just al dente (firm to the bite). Drain well, then dump the warm pasta directly into the slow cooker sauce.
- Toss and Serve: Stir well to ensure every single noodle is completely enveloped in the creamy sauce. Let it sit covered for 5–10 minutes so the pasta absorbs the flavors. Scoop hot into bowls, garnish with a touch of fresh parsley or red pepper flakes, and enjoy immediately!
Conclusion:
With its rich flavor profile and zero fuss, this Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta is bound to become a recurring favorite in your kitchen rotation. It’s hearty enough to satisfy a big crowd on game day, yet simple enough to throw together on a hectic Monday night!