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5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Orecchiette Supper

A simple yet delicious slow cooker meal combining Italian sausage, orecchiette pasta, and melted mozzarella cheese for a comforting dish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed if needed
  • 12 ounces dry orecchiette
  • 24 ounces pasta sauce (1 jar)
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Method
 

Preparation
  1. 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.
  2. Transfer the cooked sausage to the slow cooker.
  3. Add the dry orecchiette, pasta sauce, and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Stir well to ensure the pasta is mostly submerged.
Cooking
  1. 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.
  2. Stir in the mozzarella cheese, cover again, and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and creamy.
  3. Spoon into bowls and serve hot.

Notes

You can sprinkle extra cheese on top before serving. Pair with salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.