This easy, 5-ingredient sausage pasta sauce made with lean chicken or turkey sausage is perfect for busy weeknights! Make it in the crock pot and come back for a cozy meat sauce that’s ready to serve.
Crock Pot Pasta Sauce
On those busy weeknights when you don’t have time to cook, using your slow cooker is a lifesaver! Add juicy Italian sausage, crushed tomatoes, garlic, and a few seasonings to the crock pot. Turn it on in the morning, then come home and boil some pasta (I love Barilla’s new protein pasta), roast some spaghetti squash, or spiralize some veggies and pour this easy sausage pasta sauce on top!
Why You’ll Love This Sausage Pasta Sauce Recipe
I love having slow cooker recipes like Chicken Cacciatore, Crockpot Meatballs and Crock Pot Chicken Taco Chili on standby whenever I need a low-effort, home-cooked dinner. Here’s why this Italian sausage pasta sauce is such a winner on weeknights.
- 5 ingredients: This sauce comes together with ground sausage, canned tomatoes, garlic, and simple seasonings.
- Hearty: Everything slow-cooks for hours until the meat is ultra-tender and the sauce is infused with flavor.
- Versatile: Once you have your sausage pasta sauce, you can toss it with your favorite pasta or use it in more recipes, like homemade Lasagna or Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the ingredients needed for this crock pot pasta sauce recipe. See the recipe card below for the exact measurements.
- Chicken Italian sausage or turkey sausage, casings removed.
- Extra virgin olive oil or your preferred cooking oil.
- Fresh garlic: Smashed with the side of a knife.
- Can of crushed tomatoes, I swear by Tuttorosso crushed tomatoes green label.
- Crushed red pepper flakes or fresh cracked black pepper, to taste.
How To Make Sausage Pasta Sauce
I recommend browning the sausage and sautéeing the garlic before you combine everything in the crock pot. It adds so much depth of flavor.
- Brown the sausage. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage, breaking up any large pieces with a wooden spoon. Afterward, drain any excess fat before transferring the meat to the crock pot.
- Sauté. Wipe down the skillet and set it over high heat. Then, sauté the garlic in oil.
- Assemble in the crock pot. Now, add the tomatoes and sautéed garlic to the crock pot. Give that a scrunch of black pepper.
- Cook. Cover the pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. For a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend the ingredients and break up the sausage even more.
- Serve. Toss this sausage sauce with your favorite pasta or low-carb veggie noodles.
Tip for the Best Pasta Sauce
The best tip I can give you when you make this is to use good-quality chicken or turkey Italian sausage and a can of Tuttorosso crushed tomatoes. I’m very brand-loyal to Tuttorosso if I’m using crushed tomatoes, and I think it makes the best-tasting sauce. Other brands tend to be too acidic, and I have to keep adding things to doctor up the taste, but never with Tuttorosso. Of course, you may have a favorite brand of crushed tomatoes you are loyal to. If so, feel free to use that instead.
Variations
I kept this really simple since sausage has plenty of flavor, but you could add more ingredients to this sauce if you wish.
- Roasted red pepper: Roast the peppers like you would for Roasted Red Pepper Soup, and then blend or chop them to add to the sauce.
- Herbs: Add fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley right before serving.
- Spicy: Extra crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne.
How To Serve
Serve this over your favorite pasta or even over spaghetti squash with a dollop of ricotta cheese for a complete meal.
Pasta
Swap the sauce in any of these pasta recipes for this crock pot sausage pasta sauce instead.
Which Slow Cooker Should I Buy?
I love my slow cooker and have been using this 6-Quart Hamilton Beach Set ‘n Forget Programmable Slow Cooker for years. I love it because you can adjust the time you want it to cook, and it automatically turns to warm when it’s done. It also has a probe for meat that automatically shuts off when done. I hated my old crock pot; it burnt everything, and my food had a weird taste. This slow cooker is so great, I actually own several!
Storage
- Refrigerate. Store leftover sausage pasta sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat. To reheat, warm the sauce on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often.
- Freeze. This sausage pasta sauce freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
More Slow Cooker Recipes
Crock Pot Sausage Pasta Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken Italian sausage, or turkey sausage, casings removed
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, smashed with the side of a knive
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes, I swear by Tuttorosso green label
- crushed red pepper flakes , or fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium high heat, breaking up any large pieces with a wooden spoon.
- When sausage is browned, drain any fat if needed and transfer to the crock pot.
- Wipe the skillet with a paper towel and set heat to high; when hot add the oil.
- Add garlic and cook until golden but do not burn; add tomatoes and garlic to crock pot along with fresh cracked pepper. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- If you wish, take an immersion blender and blend the sauce a 2-3 seconds to break the sausage up into smaller pieces to combine with the sauce.
- Serve over your favorite pasta or veggie noodles!
I’ve made this a few times and will triple for a crowd. Would the cook time be extended?
Not sure what I did wrong , slow cooker for 8 hours ended up with burnt sauce.
So good! I added onions and fresh parsley!
I’ve made this Easy recipe twice and everyone likes it. Good any night meal. I add some Italian seasoning and a few other spices to mine- a little Parmesan, too.
Can you tell me what brand chicken sausage you use?
Premio
Made this for dinner tonight, delicious! Quick and easy to get going and then got to smell it all day, yum! Thanks for a great recipe.
I fixed this for lunch today and a complete hit. Mother who is usually real picky but she had 2nds. Super easy in crockpot
This recipe was simply delicious. I served it over spaghetti squash.
I’m wondering if I could make this in my Insta Pot?
Is there a version of this to make on top of stove? Thanks!!
I added red pepper flakes, coarsely chopped onion , mushrooms and Italian herbs. Turned out great!
So tasty and simple!
Delicious! Will be added into the rotation. I made it stovetop and simmered for a couple hours. Served over pasta for my husband, over zoodles for me. Thank you for another terrific and easy recipe, Gina!
Hi – can this be stored in the freezer once it is done in the crockpot?
Yes.
Gina, do you happen to know how many WW Freestyle points this is?
Smart points have been updated to reflect the free style program.
Have u tried using vegetarian meat? If so, do you need to brown it first, or can u skip that step?
I love this sauce! I do very little doctoring (add red pepper flakes, a bit more oregano, basil, and garlic), and it turns out amazing. I sometimes double the recipe and freeze in pint and quart jars for later. It freezes really well if you add a smidge more liquid (I add an additional can of crushed tomatoes and half a can of water to the doubled recipe, for freezing).
Its only 2 of us, id like to make extra to freeze. whats best way to freeze the extra sauce and how long is it good for?
I haven’t frozen it, but would think that freezing in portions would work well.
Made this today and I had to post about how amazing it tasted! Husband and 8 year old very happy, as was I. Did not need to add any extra salt, which was even better. Glad my friend told me about this site. Thank you!
I added a touch of light cream at the end so make it more of a pink sauce and it was absolutely delicious!
I just quadrupled this recipe for small group at my house tonight. One of my faves! Thanks Gina!
This is one of my family and I's all time favorites! it is so inexpensive, easy, and flat out GOOD!!!
Your crock pot pasta sauce with sausage looks tasty.
Faye
This was very simple and good but I thought it needed a bit more flavor. I added some red pepper flakes and a teaspoon of sugar. Perfecto.
Have a double batch cooking right now. It smells SO good, my son keeps asking if its dinner time yet.
Delicious! I didn't have crushed tomatoes, so I used one can diced tomatoes and one can sauce. I also used mozzarella-garlic chicken sausage. Both my husband and my five year old son loved it! Thanks once again!
made a double batch of this tonight in the crockpot. the house smelled so good while it was cooking. we are eating this for dinner tomorrow over whole wheat pasta. we will only use four servings so i am freezing the rest for another two dinners.
i snuck a taste and it was amazing. i cant wait for dinner tomorrow night. i got the tuttorusso walmart. they were only a buck a can. it was the easiest sauce i ever made. thank you for a delicious and economical recipe.
This a a GREAT go to meal for the week. Leave it in the crock pot and come home to a YUMMY dinner! My husband requests this dinner every couple of weeks! Thanks for all of your great & healthy recipes!!!
Hi Gina. Is it possible to use a 28 oz. can of ground peeled tomatoes instead of the crushed tomatoes?
I LOVE this recipe. I made this the next day you posted this recipe and my husband loved it! However, I feel a bit dumb because I have had such a hard time getting the casing off of the chicken sausage. Maybe I am getting the wrong kind of chicken sausage if that is possible but it just seems like it is meant to stay on there and it doesn't want to come off. It takes forever with me picking at it with my fingers. Is there any easier way that I am not seeing. I looked online and most people say that you just slit it down the middle and it should peel off…. well… not for this girl. :o( Any advice?
I squeeze it out. It will come out either end.
This sauce is delicious! I just made some and dear Lord, I am so glad I did not make more pasta (only made 1 serving) because I could eat another bowl of it!
Hi Gina! I'm brand new to this slow cooker thing….if I were going to add roasted red pepper, zucchini, mushrooms, or other veggies….do you add those with everything else or at the end? I'm concerned they'll get mushy.
Mine didn't come out right, the tomatoes got really acidic, I am wondering if my crock pot's heat is messed up, had to throw it away. sad!
Hi Gina! Is there a reason there aren't any herbs/spices added here? It probably has a lot to do with the fact that you recommend the Tuttorosso brand, but if I just have store-brand crushed tomatoes, do you have an idea of how much I should add of the herbs/spices? I'm thinking of adding some basil and oregano. Thanks so much–your recipes are amazing! 🙂
Just made this tonight over spaghetti squash – I think it is now one of my new favorite meals ! I had never had Spaghetti squash before and I was pleasantly surprised ! The sauce was so amazingly flavorful. I have leftovers for lunch tomorrow … is it lunchtime yet because I cannot wait to eat it again. Thanks Gina !
Valerie
I made this today and it was amazing! seriously the best pasta sauce i've ever made! I cannot wait to eat the leftovers tomorrow!
Have this on the stove now. I had a 20oz package of Turkey Italian sausage in the fridge so……I cooked it all, added some chopped onion w/the garlic, and used 2 cans of Tuttosso tomatoes (I like this brand, my hubby prefers San Marzano). Wanted a sauce less meaty. Would have added some grated carrots if I had had any. Smells divine! Can't wait to eat it!
When I was browning the garlic, I also brown up a little bit of fresh onion. And when I served it, I finely chopped up fresh basil, parsley and oregano to sprinkle over it.
I am currently making it for lunch today. I forgot to put it in last night so I have it on high for a couple of hours. For those of you who have complained about your crockpot. My last crockpot,too, cooked too high. I replaced it with a hamilton beach model that has a meat thermometer http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-Forget-6-Quart-Programmable/dp/B001AO2PXK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310989469&sr=8-1
It's the best crock pot I own and everything comes out just right.
I am sorry I didn't clarify. I have a hand blender, but I am wondering if you have a good recommendation for a food processor brand. I get overwhelmed when looking, and always leave without one.
I used the hand blender on this, any brand would work fine, I love them!
Val, so glad to hear that!! 🙂
This was awesome! When I was making this yesterday, my husband turned up his knows (chicken sausage??!!). After dinner, he scraped the crock pot clean! Thanks for all the great recipes!
What kind of food proccesor/chopper do you have! I need one, and I would apprecitate your opinion! Thanks!
YUMMMM!!! We're not sausage fans, but will try with ground turkey and meatless as well. Thanks!
I don't think that would matter if it is larger, you could always double the recipe and freeze the rest for the future!
Hi Gina, Thank you for sharing your recipes, they are so good and your pics are gorgeous. Loved seeing your daughter, what a cutie! My question is what size crock pot did you use? Mine is 6 quarts and seems like it might be too big or does it matter?
If you were going to throw mushrooms into the sauce – at what point would you do that?
Some crock pots cook to high even on low.
Thanks…
Although I hate my crock pot…I had it on the lowest setting and it started to burn on the sides after and hour and half!
Put the garlic on the cutting board, lay the flat part of you large knife over the garlic and bang the knife which will smash the garlic.
How do you smash garlic?
Isn't it great! Tastes like you slaved for hours making it too!
Made this tonight, replacing the chicken sausage with lean turkey sausage since my store didn't have any chicken sausage. It was WONDERFUL and a great replacement for the very time consuming and high calorie "meatballs and gravy" I usually make.
It should be fine.
Going to make this tomorrow. I hope turkey sausage will work just as well. My store didn't have chicken sausage but I figure its basically the same thing.
I am cooking it as we speak! This is perfect for the eating plan I am on right now! Its almost like a phase 1 south beach diet except even more strict. I used chicken breast sausage so it is extra lean and added some dry oregano and basil to taste. We shall see the outcome! I will put over sauteed zucchini. Thx gina!
The crock pot is perfect for meat sauce!
Had this for dinner tonight. I just added an onion and some fresh herbs from my kitchen garden. It was wonderful over whole wheat rotini and steamed squash. Thanks so much for the recipe 🙂
Looks great! I always make my meat sauce in a crockpot — mom's recipe (lightened up) — but simmered in a slow cooker all day instead of on the stove top. I love the convenience of the slow cooker (especially on work days), but like you, I appreciate using it even more during hot summer months.
Making this tonight! So excited!!
Yes, good point! It would even be ready in 3 – 4 hrs low if you have a lower setting.
Made this tonight! Delicious!! My husband even had 2 servings. I had it in the crock pot for 6 hours on low and was glad I got home when I did because any longer and it would have burned…it was starting to stick to the sides. My advice depending on your crock pot is to check it before 6 hours. Love your recipes Gina! Please keep them coming!
If you make this with ground chicken, you will have to add seasoning and salt or it will be a bit bland.
Thanks Tammy, happy to help!
PL – If you don't have a crock pot you can simmer on the stove for 2 hrs on very low heat.
If I don't have a crockpot, do you cooking heat and time recs for the stove?
LOVE IT!!! With the hot weather in the South, I'm looking for recipes which require little turning on of the stove or Crockpot, which can cook overnight while I'm sleeping. Girl, I love your website and check it daily. Keep up the good work. I've started to workout, however my eating habits are not lining up. Thanks so much for the inspiration, Tammy.
can this be made with ground chicken?
another fantastic recipe…love it…
Yes, sauce always freezes lovely.
Hi Gina
Can you make this in advance and freeze??
Kate
This sounds soooo delicious. Will be trying it very soon.
Love this! So tasty looking.
Sounds delicious and I love how simple this recipe is! Anything that utilizes the crock pot deserves a try in my book! Thanks for sharing – I can't wait to try this one out soon!
Linda, the bowls are from Pier One, aren't they pretty!
Megan, yes I actually have a recipe on my site somewhere for homemade turkey sausage meat.
Dolores – I'll have to look out for Sclafani!
Dani- good luck with that!
For a vegetarian option, I would just leave out the sausage.
This is great and I will try (love my crock pot).
I think you could extend it with chicken stock, add cooked orzo, orecchiette or rice and make a soup out of it.
This one is definitely going in my recipe files! This looks and sounds delicious!
What about mushrooms in place of sausage?
Would this still work without sausage for a vegetarian option?
Oh yum, saved for yet another wonderful meal at the house 🙂 Thank you as always!
Yummy! I love that you do so many crock pot recipes 🙂
This looks delicious thank you!!! Alot of your recipes have inspried me to start the "boyfriend vegetable project" because me boyfriend refuses to eat veggies and no one EVER made him so he is now a 20 year old meat and potatoes guy….. Your recipes look so DELICIOUS that im POSITIVE i will get him to love veggies!
So thank you again xoxo
Looks great! I hear you on Tuttorosso, and they are my second favorite brand, but mine is Sclafani. They have a blue label that is painted directly onto the can. They are smooth and lovely and my sauce always comes out perfect. Anyway, I'll definitely try this crock pot method. Perfect for the summer in NYC when I can't bear to heat up the kitchen.
Always looking for a good crockpot meal. Something about dinner already being done makes me not get other (unhealthier) ideas!
Wondering if you've ever used Italian Seasoned Ground Turkey…it tastes wonderfully similar to sausage. I will so be doing that with this recipe! 🙂
Along with loving this recipe, I also like the looks of that bowl holding the contents. Any info you can pass along?? 🙂
That sounds WONDERFUL! Going to have to add it to next week's meal plan.