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- 1 pound Italian sausage (or chicken sausage) - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 8 oz penne pasta, uncooked - 1 cup baby spinach To create a creamy and tasty dish, start with quality ingredients. I love using Italian sausage for its rich flavor. Chicken sausage works well too for a lighter meal. The onion and garlic add depth, while the diced tomatoes give a pop of color and moisture. Chicken broth enhances the taste, making every bite savory. Heavy cream is key for that luscious texture, and the uncooked penne pasta absorbs all the goodness during cooking. - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving Seasonings make the dish shine. Italian seasoning blends herbs that transport you to Italy. A pinch of salt and pepper balances flavors. Fresh basil offers a burst of freshness on top, while grated Parmesan brings a salty finish. These simple touches elevate your creamy Tuscan sausage pasta to a gourmet level. First, you need to cook the sausage. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it into pieces. Cook it until it turns brown. Drain any extra fat from the skillet. Then, transfer the cooked sausage to your slow cooker. Next, chop your onion and mince the garlic. Add both to the slow cooker with the sausage. This mix adds great flavor to your dish. Now, grab a can of diced tomatoes and pour it into the slow cooker. Do not drain them; the juice will add to the sauce. Next, add one cup of chicken broth. It helps to keep the pasta moist during cooking. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture well to blend all the flavors. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. If you choose low, let it go for four hours. If you prefer high, it will be ready in two hours. About 30 minutes before serving, it’s time to add the pasta. Stir in eight ounces of uncooked penne pasta and one cup of heavy cream. Make sure to mix it well. Cover the slow cooker again and continue cooking until the pasta is al dente. Once the pasta is ready, toss in one cup of baby spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the pasta hot. Top it with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese for a delightful finish. To boost the taste of your Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika. These spices bring warmth and depth to the dish. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can also elevate the flavor. If you want to switch up the sausage, you can use chicken sausage for a lighter meal or even turkey sausage for a leaner option. To get perfect pasta, add it to the slow cooker 30 minutes before serving. Make sure the penne pasta is uncooked when you add it. Stir it gently to prevent sticking. Check the pasta for doneness. It should be tender but still firm, known as al dente. If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can add a bit more heavy cream. For a lighter touch, use half and half instead. Presentation matters! Serve your pasta in shallow bowls. Top each bowl with extra grated Parmesan and a sprig of fresh basil for a pop of color. You can pair this dish with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a full meal. A glass of white wine, like Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors well. Enjoy your delicious creation! {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Just swap the sausage for a plant-based protein. Options like lentils or chickpeas work great. They add protein and flavor. For extra veggies, consider adding bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. These will give your dish more texture and taste. If you need a gluten-free meal, choose gluten-free pasta instead of penne. Cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the slow cooker. Note that gluten-free pasta often cooks faster, so check it a bit earlier. This will help keep it from getting mushy. You can switch the heavy cream for a lighter sauce option. Try using half-and-half or even a non-dairy milk. For a tomato-based twist, add more diced tomatoes and skip the cream. This change offers a fresh flavor that is still rich and tasty. To keep your Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. This method helps lock in flavor and moisture. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the pasta before sealing it. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Divide the pasta into portions. Place each portion in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, take it out and let it thaw overnight in the fridge. When it comes to reheating, you have two main options: microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place a portion in a bowl and cover it with a lid. Heat it for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For stovetop, use a skillet on low heat. Stir often until it's heated through. To keep the texture and flavor, add a splash of broth or cream while reheating. This helps restore the creaminess and avoids dryness. Enjoy your pasta just as delicious as when it was fresh! Yes, you can. For a lighter dish, try using milk or Greek yogurt. Both options add creaminess but keep the calories lower. Another choice is to use cashew cream. Just blend soaked cashews with water until smooth. This gives a nice texture without heavy cream. Adjusting serving sizes is simple. If you need more servings, just double the ingredients. For fewer servings, halve them. Keep the same ratios for flavor. Remember, cooking time may change slightly, especially for the pasta, so check it often. You can use frozen sausage, but it’s best to thaw it first. Cook it in a skillet until browned for even flavor. Then, add it to the slow cooker. If you add it frozen, the cooking time may need to be longer. Always ensure it reaches a safe temperature before serving. In this blog post, I’ve shared how to make a delicious Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta. We covered the main ingredients like sausage, vegetables, and cream. I explained each step, from cooking the sausage to adding pasta. Tips on flavor, storage, and variations are also included. In closing, this dish is simple, tasty, and adaptable. Enjoy making it your own while savoring every bite.

Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Indulge in the rich flavors of Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta that's perfect for busy nights! This easy recipe combines savory Italian sausage, garlic, and fresh spinach with creamy goodness, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. Ready in just 4 hours, it's a comforting meal the whole family will love. Click to explore this delicious recipe and satisfy your cravings! #SlowCookerRecipes #PastaLovers #CreamyPasta #ComfortFood
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Ingredients
  

1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (or use chicken sausage for a lighter option)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

8 oz penne pasta, uncooked

1 cup baby spinach

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions
 

In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it up into pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary and transfer the sausage to the slow cooker.

    Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker with the sausage.

      Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir to combine.

        Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the mixture.

          Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours.

            30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked penne pasta and the heavy cream. Make sure to cover again and continue cooking for the remaining time until the pasta is al dente.

              Once done, stir in the baby spinach until wilted. Adjust seasoning as necessary.

                Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese on top.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve in shallow bowls, topped with extra Parmesan and a sprig of fresh basil for an inviting look.