If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious meal to make in your slow cooker, the 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Orecchiette Supper is perfect for you. This comforting dish combines the richness of Italian sausage, the heartiness of orecchiette pasta, and the gooey goodness of melted mozzarella cheese, all cooked together for a wonderful flavor. With just five ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is great for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Why Make This Recipe
This 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Orecchiette Supper is not just easy to make; it also requires very few ingredients, which means less shopping and more cooking! The slow cooker does all the hard work for you, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze. It’s perfect for those who love hearty Italian dishes without spending too much time in the kitchen.
How to Make 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Orecchiette Supper
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed if needed
- 12 ounces dry orecchiette
- 1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions:
- Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break it into small pieces as it cooks until there is no pink left. If there is excess fat, drain it off.
- Transfer the cooked sausage to the slow cooker.
- Add the dry orecchiette, pasta sauce, and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Stir well to ensure the pasta is mostly submerged.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Stir once or twice if you can, until the orecchiette is tender and the liquid has thickened into a sauce.
- Stir in the mozzarella cheese, cover again, and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and creamy.
- Spoon into bowls and serve hot.
How to Serve 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Orecchiette Supper
Serve this dish while it’s hot in shallow bowls. You might want to sprinkle some extra cheese on top for an added touch. Pair it with a simple salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Orecchiette Supper
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish can last for up to 3 days in the fridge. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of water or broth if necessary to loosen the sauce.
Tips to Make 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Orecchiette Supper
- Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage, like turkey or chicken sausage, for a leaner option.
- Add in your favorite vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, for extra flavor and nutrition.
- If you like a little kick, add some red pepper flakes to the mix.
Variation
For a vegetarian version, swap the Italian sausage for a plant-based sausage or skip the meat altogether. You can enhance the flavor with spices like Italian seasoning or garlic powder.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while orecchiette is great, other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni can also work. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. Is this recipe freezable?
Yes! You can freeze leftovers. Make sure to let it cool before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just replace the sausage with a meat substitute or add more vegetables to keep it filling while making it vegetarian-friendly.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Orecchiette Supper
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break it into small pieces as it cooks until there is no pink left. If there is excess fat, drain it off.
- Transfer the cooked sausage to the slow cooker.
- Add the dry orecchiette, pasta sauce, and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Stir well to ensure the pasta is mostly submerged.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Stir once or twice if you can, until the orecchiette is tender and the liquid has thickened into a sauce.
- Stir in the mozzarella cheese, cover again, and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and creamy.
- Spoon into bowls and serve hot.
