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When it comes to slow cooking, understanding the difference between low and high settings can significantly impact the final result of your Cozy Autumn Crockpot Chicken Sausage Pasta.

Fall Crockpot Chicken Sausage Pasta

Warm up your autumn evenings with a delightful bowl of Cozy Autumn Crockpot Chicken Sausage Pasta. This simple slow cooker recipe features tender chicken sausage, a creamy tomato sauce, and fresh vegetables all mingling with hearty pasta. Perfect for busy days, you can set it and forget it while the flavors meld together. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh herbs for a comforting family meal that captures the essence of fall. Enjoy every cozy bite!

Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces

12 oz penne pasta (or pasta of your choice)

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (any color), sliced

1 cup low sodium chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

2 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 cup fresh spinach

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by slicing the chicken sausage into bite-sized pieces. Then, finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Slice the bell pepper and gather all the ingredients for easy access.

    Layer in the Crockpot: In a 6-quart crockpot, place the sliced chicken sausage at the bottom. Next, add the diced tomatoes along with their juices, the tomato sauce, diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced bell pepper.

      Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream over the layered ingredients. Then, evenly sprinkle the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if you prefer some heat) on top. Gently stir everything together to combine all the flavors.

        Cook the Pasta Mixture: Secure the lid on the crockpot and cook on the low setting for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken sausage is fully cooked and all flavors meld beautifully.

          Cook the Pasta Separately: Approximately 30 minutes before you plan to serve, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente. Once done, drain it and set it aside.

            Add Spinach & Combine: After the cooking time is complete, carefully add the fresh spinach to the crockpot. Stir gently until the spinach wilts, which should only take a minute. Then, fold in the cooked pasta, making sure everything is well mixed.

              Serve: Scoop generous portions of the savory pasta into bowls. Top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor. Dive into this warm, comforting dish and savor the tastes of autumn!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 5 hours | 6 servings