Crock Pot Rigatoni

Recipe Snapshot

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4–6 hours
• Servings: 6–8
• Cooking Method: Slow Cooker
• Budget Friendly: Yes
• Family Approved: Absolutely
• Best For: Busy weeknights & meal prep
• Freezer Friendly: Yes (before or after cooking)

Ingredients

• Ground Italian Sausage – Adds rich, savory flavor and gives this slow cooker rigatoni its hearty, comforting base. Mild or spicy both work great.
• Rigatoni – The perfect pasta shape for this recipe. The ridges and wide tubes hold onto the sauce and sausage for flavor in every bite.
• Minced Garlic – Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle depth that pairs perfectly with Italian sausage and tomato sauce. Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
• Onion – Adds natural sweetness and balances the richness of the sausage and cheese as it slowly cooks. Learn How to Freeze Chopped Onion to prepare ahead of time.
• Petite Diced Tomatoes – Provide texture and a fresh tomato flavor that blends beautifully into the sauce.
• Tomato Sauce – Creates the rich, smooth base of the slow cooker sauce and helps coat the pasta evenly.
• Italian Seasoning – A simple blend of herbs that brings classic Italian flavor without needing multiple spices. You can even make Homemade Italian Seasoning.
• Salt and Pepper – Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
• Beef Broth – Adds depth and extra savory flavor while providing enough liquid for the pasta to cook perfectly in the crock pot.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Melts into the pasta for that gooey, cheesy finish everyone loves.
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese (optional) – Adds a sharp, salty bite that enhances the Italian flavor and makes the dish feel extra special.

How to Make Crock Pot Rigatoni

Step 1 – In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground Italian Sausage until brown.

Step 2 – Add the ground sausage to the crock pot. You can add in a little olive oil to prevent your meal from sticking to the crock pot.

Step 3 – Next, add in onion, seasonings, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and broth. Stir to combine. Cover and cook.

Step 4 – Last, add the pasta 30 minutes before serving. It will look very watery but don’t worry the pasta will soak it up. If you prefer you can cook your pasta separately in a large pot. Just cook rigatoni according to package.

Step 5 – Cover and cook the rigatoni until the desired tenderness is reached with the pasta. We cook our pasta al dente.

Step 6 – Stir in the mozzarella cheese until melted. Serve immediately and top with parmesan cheese if desired.

Expert Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Rigatoni

• Always brown the sausage first for deeper flavor.
• Add pasta during the last 30 minutes to prevent mushy noodles.
• Stir once or twice after adding pasta to prevent sticking.
• If sauce seems thin before pasta is added, don’t worry. The pasta absorbs excess liquid.
• For extra creaminess, stir in ¼ cup cream cheese before serving.
• Shred cheese fresh for better melting (pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents).

Variation Ideas

• Try different types of Meat – Try ground turkey, turkey sausage or ground beef instead and your family will never notice the difference. You could even omit the meat all together and add a  ricotta mixture to this recipe.
• Add in other vegetables – Add in mushrooms, eggplant or whole tomatoes. These vegetables blend perfectly with the Italian Sausage. Red peppers is also a favorite if I have some to toss in.
• Use different Pasta – Any type of medium size pasta will work perfectly. Penne or rotini is my personal favorite if I don’t have any rigatoni.
• Spicy Italian Sausage – You can add in some red pepper flakes. They add a little spice to this recipe.

What to Serve with Crock Pot Rigatoni?

This recipe stays on our regular menu plan rotation because everyone just loves it and it is SO easy to put together. 

• Add some bread – Make some Homemade Garlic Bread. It is so easy to make and the perfect side with this Italian Sausage Rigatoni.
• Serve is with a salad – This Easy Caesar Salad works great as a side with this meal. I always like to serve a salad or a green vegetable especially with hearty meal.
• Another tasty bread idea is Garlic Bread Cheese Sticks Recipe. Oh my those are so tasty if you have the extra time to make them.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. The pasta will continue absorbing sauce so add a splash of broth when reheating.
• Freezer – This dish can be placed in the freezer but for best results, we recommend freezing before adding the pasta. Place the meat sauce in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to reheat.
• Reheating – Reheat on the stovetop or individual servings in the microwave until heated through.