Savory Crock Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Stew
Warm up with this hearty Savory Crock Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Stew, a delightful medley of rich flavors and comforting textures. Perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights, this dish features succulent Italian sausage, vibrant vegetables, and tender pasta all simmered together in a savory tomato sauce. Loaded with protein from the kidney beans and packed with satisfying nutrients from the fresh produce, it's an all-in-one meal that is both delicious and easy to prepare. Just set it in the slow cooker and let it do the work while you enjoy your time with loved ones.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian sausage
1 lb (casings removed)
water
4 cups
meatless spaghetti sauce
26 ounces (1 jar)
kidney beans
16 ounces (rinsed and drained)
carrots
2 medium (cut into 1/4-inch slices)
red pepper
1 medium (diced)
onion
1/3 cup (chopped)
spiral pasta
1 1/2 cups (uncooked)
frozen peas
1 cup
sugar
1 teaspoon
salt
1/2 teaspoon
pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and transfer the cooked sausage to a large crock pot.
2
Add the water, spaghetti sauce, kidney beans, carrots, diced red pepper, and chopped onion to the crock pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
3
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 7 to 9 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
4
Once the vegetables are soft, stir in the uncooked spiral pasta, frozen peas, sugar, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly.
5
Cover the pot again and switch the setting to high, cooking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to your desired tenderness.
6
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Crock Pot Italian Sausage Pasta Stew?
It is a hearty medley of Italian sausage, vegetables, and pasta simmered in a savory tomato sauce using a slow cooker.
How much Italian sausage do I need for this recipe?
You will need 1 lb of Italian sausage with the casings removed.
Do I need to brown the sausage before putting it in the crock pot?
Yes, you should cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and no longer pink, then drain the fat.
How much water is added to the stew?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of water.
What size jar of spaghetti sauce should I use?
You should use one 26-ounce jar of meatless spaghetti sauce.
What type of beans are included in this stew?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of kidney beans.
Should the kidney beans be prepared in any specific way?
Yes, the kidney beans should be rinsed and drained before being added to the crock pot.
How many carrots are required?
The recipe requires 2 medium carrots.
How should I slice the carrots?
The carrots should be cut into 1/4-inch slices.
What kind of pepper is used in the stew?
One medium red pepper, diced, is used in this recipe.
How much onion should I add?
You should add 1/3 cup of chopped onion.
How long does the stew cook on the low setting?
It should cook on low for 7 to 9 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
When do I add the pasta to the crock pot?
The pasta is added after the initial 7 to 9 hours of cooking once the vegetables are soft.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies 1 1/2 cups of uncooked spiral pasta.
Do I need to cook the pasta before adding it to the crock pot?
No, the pasta should be added uncooked.
How much frozen peas are included?
You should add 1 cup of frozen peas.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of sugar is added to the stew.
How much salt and pepper is used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
What setting do I use to cook the pasta at the end?
Switch the crock pot setting to high to cook the pasta.
How long does the pasta take to cook on the high setting?
The pasta takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to reach desired tenderness.
Can I garnish this dish?
Yes, you can garnish the stew with fresh herbs if desired.
Is this a good meal for busy weeknights?
Yes, because it is a slow cooker meal, you can set it and let it cook throughout the day.
What provides the main protein in this dish?
The protein comes from the Italian sausage and the kidney beans.
Can this recipe be adapted for vegetarians?
Yes, the tags suggest vegetarian options, which could involve using plant-based sausage or extra beans.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Key tags include crock pot, stew, Italian sausage, pasta, and comfort food.
Does this stew contain any dairy?
Based on the ingredients list, this recipe does not contain dairy unless your spaghetti sauce or sausage includes it.
What is the texture of the stew?
It is a hearty and thick stew with tender pasta and soft vegetables.
Can I use different colored peppers?
While the recipe calls for red pepper, you can substitute with other bell peppers if preferred.
How should I serve this stew?
It is best served hot, immediately after the pasta has finished cooking.