If you’re looking for an easy and delicious dinner recipe, look no further than 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Campanelle. This dish combines the comforting flavors of Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese with campanelle pasta. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is fantastic because it requires only four main ingredients and minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Plus, it’s great for feeding a family or for meal prepping. You’ll have a tasty and satisfying dish ready to enjoy!
How to Make 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Campanelle
Ingredients
- 1 pound campanelle pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage, browned and drained
- 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until fully browned. Make sure to drain any excess grease.
- Add the cooked sausage and marinara sauce to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours until hot and flavorful.
- About 20 minutes before serving, cook the campanelle pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Stir the cooked pasta into the slow cooker mixture.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top, cover, and let cook for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Serve warm with garlic bread or a simple salad if desired.
How to Serve 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Campanelle
You can serve this dish hot, straight from the slow cooker. It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread for scooping up the cheesy goodness or a fresh salad for a light crunch. You can also add some extra herbs or red pepper flakes on top for a little additional flavor!
How to Store 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Campanelle
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish keeps well for about 3 to 4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or extra sauce if needed to keep it moist.
Tips to Make 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Campanelle
- Make sure to drain the sausage well to avoid excess grease in your dish.
- For a little extra flavor, consider adding some Italian seasoning or fresh basil to the marinara sauce.
- Keep an eye on the pasta cooking time so that it doesn’t become too soft when mixed in with the other ingredients.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the slow cooker. This adds more nutrition and flavor to the dish!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While campanelle is great, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe itself is not spicy, but if you’re using spicy Italian sausage, it might add a bit of heat. You can also add red pepper flakes for some extra spice.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it entirely. You can also add extra vegetables or beans for protein.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Campanelle
Ingredients
Method
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until fully browned. Make sure to drain any excess grease.
- Add the cooked sausage and marinara sauce to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours until hot and flavorful.
- About 20 minutes before serving, cook the campanelle pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Stir the cooked pasta into the slow cooker mixture.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top, cover, and let cook for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
