Gather around the table for a dinner that’s all about cozy flavors and simple prep. This crockpot spaghetti is a total game-changer for busy nights.
It’s a rich, creamy meal that practically cooks itself while you handle the rest of your day.
Why This Recipe Is a Weeknight Hero
We’ve all faced those evenings where making dinner feels like just one task too many. This recipe solves that.
With just a few minutes of hands-on prep, your slow cooker takes over, filling your home with an incredible aroma. You end up with a huge, satisfying pot of food that’s perfect for a hungry family or for packing up as tomorrow’s lunch.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to pull from your pantry and fridge. Simple, straightforward ingredients come together for something truly special.
- Italian Sausage (1 pound): This is the flavor powerhouse. Its natural spices and richness form the base of the entire dish. Ground beef, turkey, or even frozen meatballs are great substitutes if you prefer.
- Salt, Pepper, & Garlic Salt (½ tsp each): This simple trio seasons the sausage perfectly. A pinch of Italian seasoning is a lovely addition here if you have it.
- Jarred Pasta Sauce (three 24-oz jars): The convenient foundation. Using your favorite store-bought sauce makes this incredibly quick, though a homemade batch works beautifully too.
- Spaghetti Noodles (1 pound): Broken in half, they cook right in the sauce, soaking up all that flavor. Regular spaghetti works best here for the ideal texture.
- Parmesan & Cream Cheese (½ cup grated Parmesan, 4 oz cream cheese): The magic combo. Parmesan adds a salty, savory depth, while the cream cheese melts into the sauce, creating an irresistibly creamy, rich texture.
- Chicken Broth (14.5 oz can, low sodium): Essential for helping the pasta cook through in the slow cooker. Water can work in a pinch, but broth adds another layer of flavor.
How to make crockpot spaghetti?
It’s easier than you think. The secret is in the layering, which helps the pasta cook just right.
Step 1- Brown and Season the Sausage
Start by browning your Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. As it cooks, sprinkle it with the salt, pepper, and garlic salt.
Once it’s nicely browned and cooked through, drain off any excess grease and set it aside for a moment.
Step 2- Build the First Layers
Pour one full jar of your pasta sauce directly into the bottom of your crockpot. This creates a protective layer.
Next, break your spaghetti noodles in half and lay them evenly over the sauce. Scatter the cooked sausage and the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the noodles.
Step 3- Add Creaminess and More Sauce
Take your block of cream cheese and cut it into small chunks. Distribute these pieces over the layer of Parmesan.
Now, pour the second jar of pasta sauce over everything, making sure to cover the cream cheese.
Step 4- The Initial Cook
Place the lid on your slow cooker and set it to cook on HIGH. Let it go for 3 hours.
It’s a good idea to give it a gentle stir once or twice during this time, if you can, just to check in.
Step 5- The Final Simmer
After three hours, give the mixture a good stir. You’ll see the cream cheese has started to melt into the sauce.
Now, stir in the final jar of pasta sauce and the entire can of chicken broth. Put the lid back on, switch the setting to LOW, and let it cook for one more hour until the pasta is tender and everything is heated through.
Ingredient Swaps and Tweaks
Don’t let a missing ingredient stop you from making this. The recipe is wonderfully flexible.
If you don’t have chicken broth, water works just fine, though you might want an extra pinch of seasoning. Skipping the cream cheese will still give you a great spaghetti, just without the extra-creamy sauce. Feel free to add a handful of fresh spinach when you stir in the last ingredients, or top it all with a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese in the final minutes.
Tips
A few simple pointers will ensure your spaghetti turns out perfect every single time.
- Know Your Slow Cooker: They all run a little differently. Start checking your pasta for doneness near the end of the cook time to avoid overcooked, mushy noodles.
- Stir with Care: When you stir in the final sauce and broth, be gentle to avoid breaking down the tender noodles.
- Make it Your Own: Don’t hesitate to add extra Parmesan or a bit of shredded mozzarella on top right before serving for an extra-cheesy finish.
Serving Your Spaghetti Feast
This hearty meal is a complete dinner on its own, but a couple of sides make it feel like a true occasion.
For the ultimate cozy night in, nothing beats a side of warm, buttery garlic bread or fluffy breadsticks to soak up the delicious sauce. To round it out with something fresh, a simple green salad or a plate of roasted vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, adds a perfect crunch and balance.
Storing and Enjoying Leftovers
This recipe makes a generous amount, which is wonderful news for future-you. Let any leftovers cool completely before storing.
They’ll keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
So there you have it. A dependable, delicious, and incredibly easy dinner that’s ready to become a new favorite in your home.
Just set it, forget it for a while, and get ready for a meal that feels like a warm hug.
Crockpot Spaghetti Recipe
Description
Your favorite family dinner can now be made easily in your slow cooker! This Crock Pot Spaghetti is so easy with tons of flavor. Tender spaghetti noodles, spicy Italian sausage in a creamy spaghetti sauce made with cream cheese—perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
-
Brown the Sausage
Brown Italian sausage in a medium skillet over medium heat. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic salt. Drain excess grease and set aside. -
Layer in Crockpot
Pour one jar of pasta sauce into the bottom of your crockpot. Break spaghetti noodles in half and layer them over the sauce. Add the cooked sausage on top, followed by a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. -
Add Cream Cheese & Sauce
Dice the cream cheese into small chunks and scatter over the Parmesan. Pour a second jar of pasta sauce over the top. -
Cook on High
Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. -
Add Final Sauce & Broth
After 3 hours, stir the mixture thoroughly. Add the final jar of pasta sauce and the chicken broth. Replace the lid and cook on LOW for 1 more hour, or until noodles are tender. -
Rest & Serve
Let the spaghetti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top with extra Parmesan or mozzarella if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 520kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 21g33%
- Saturated Fat 9g45%
- Cholesterol 55mg19%
- Sodium 1450mg61%
- Potassium 620mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 58g20%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 12g
- Protein 24g48%
- Calcium 180 mg
- Iron 3 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Customize your meat: Use ground beef, turkey, chicken, or even frozen meatballs instead of Italian sausage.
- No cream cheese? The sauce will still be tasty—but less creamy—without it.
- Watch your noodles: Every slow cooker varies—stir occasionally and check doneness to avoid mushy pasta.
- Storage tip: Cool completely before storing in airtight containers. Keeps 3–4 days in the fridge or 2–3 months in the freezer.
