Servings: 6
If you are looking for a hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy dinner that practically cooks itself, this 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Orecchiette Supper is exactly what you need. It features savory Italian sausage and tender orecchiette pasta simmered in a rich, tangy tomato sauce, all finished with a generous layer of melted mozzarella cheese. It is the perfect hands-off meal for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner.
The magic of this recipe lies in the magic of the slow cooker. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce and broth, absorbing all the rich, savory flavors. The Italian sausage adds a hearty, well-seasoned bite, while the mozzarella melts into a gooey, creamy topping that ties everything together.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe relies on the convenience of dry pasta and a few simple ingredients. Cooking the orecchiette directly in the slow cooker allows it to absorb the flavorful liquid, resulting in a creamy, saucy dish. Browning the sausage first adds a deep, savory flavor. Stirring in the mozzarella at the end creates a gooey, cheesy finish that is completely irresistible.
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, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks, until no pink remains. Drain off excess fat if needed.
- Transfer the cooked sausage to the slow cooker. Add the dry orecchiette, pasta sauce, and chicken broth, then stir well so the pasta is mostly submerged.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, stirring once or twice if your schedule allows, until the orecchiette is tender and most of the liquid has thickened into a sauce.
- Stir in the mozzarella cheese, cover again, and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until melted and creamy. Spoon into bowls and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Results
Stir occasionally. Stirring the pasta once or twice during cooking helps it cook evenly and prevents it from sticking together or to the bottom of the slow cooker.
Watch the liquid. Orecchiette absorbs a lot of liquid. If the dish looks too dry before the pasta is fully tender, add a splash more chicken broth to loosen it up.
Don’t overcook the pasta. Slow cookers vary, so start checking at the 2 1/2-hour mark. The orecchiette should be tender but not mushy.
Use a good quality pasta sauce. Since this is a 5-ingredient recipe, the flavor of your pasta sauce really matters. Choose a brand you love for the best results.
Add the cheese at the end. Stirring in the mozzarella during the last few minutes of cooking ensures it melts perfectly without becoming greasy or separating.
Storage and Serving
Store leftover orecchiette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the pasta has absorbed too much sauce. Serve it with a simple green salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.
Hearty, cheesy, and completely hands-off, this 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Orecchiette Supper is a fantastic recipe to keep in your rotation for easy weeknight dinners.