Crock Pot Spaghetti
230 Comments
Posted: 04/24/24
Updated: 07/10/24
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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. It’s our favorite way to enjoy spaghetti. Plus, it’s quick and easy for busy nights.
I love how creamy and yummy this Crock Pot spaghetti is. Plus, it makes a ton so invite those friends over or just feed your incredibly hungry family! It’s great for packing lunches the next day, too. I just toss together a side salad and breadsticks to finish this meal off.
The crock pot is such an amazing friend to busy families! It makes meals so quick and easy and the kids love them like my Crock Pot Lasagna and Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan. We love this easy Instant Pot Spaghetti so I figured we’d love a good Crock Pot Spaghetti too. And boy was I right!
Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Spaghetti
- I love that this spaghetti recipe has Italian Sausage in it. It makes it a bit spicier and I love the kick! But as always you can use regular sausage or ground beef it the spice is to much, especially for kids.
- The addition of cream cheese makes that sauce so creamy and rich. It really takes it up a notch!
- Slow cooker spaghetti is great for busy evenings, especially when everyone is in and out and can’t sit down for a meal all at once. They can just take a portion when they have time and enjoy dinner!
Ingredients for Crock Pot Spaghetti
- Italian sausage – Could also use ground beef or ground turkey. You can even skip the ground meat and use frozen meatballs instead.
- Seasonings – Salt, pepper, garlic salt will give it an extra boost of flavor. You could also add a little Italian Seasoning.
- Pasta sauce – Used your favorite jarred pasta sauce to make it quick and easy. You can also use a homemade sauce if you prefer.
- Spaghetti noodles – The cooking time is tested with regular spaghetti noodles. If you use a Angel Hair it will cook quicker so remember that!
- Cheeses – A mixture of Parmesan cheese and cream cheese make this so delicious and the sauce creamy!
- Chicken broth – The spaghetti will soak this up so it’s a must! In a pinch water might also work. We use low sodium chicken broth to lower the sodium.
Helpful Tools
How to Make Easy Crock Pot Spaghetti
- Brown the sausage Italian sausage in a large skillet on the stove top. Season it with salt, pepper and garlic salt. Drain off any excess grease and set it aside.
- Pour one jar of spaghetti sauce into the bottom of the crockpot.
- Then place uncooked spaghetti noodles on top of the sauce and layer the sausage on top of noodles. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Dice the cream cheese into little chunks and place them on top of Parmesan cheese, then top with another jar of sauce.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 3 hours. After three hours stir spaghetti mixture and add the last jar of pasta sauce and the chicken broth into crock pot. Replace lid and cook on low for one additional hour until noodles are done and the mixture is fully heated through.
How to Store Leftover Easy Crock Pot Spaghetti
FRIDGE: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container. If you know that you’ll need separate portions, divide the leftovers into multiple storage containers. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
FREEZER: Allow leftovers to cool and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for 2-3 months. Allow to thaw completely before reheating.
How to Reheat Spaghetti
Reheat in the microwave, on the stove top, or in the oven.
What to Serve with Crock Pot Spaghetti
Serve this simple main course with easy side like air fryer garlic bread or even some cheesy garlic bread.
It would also be great with veggie sides like roasted vegetables or green beans with bacon. Some air fryer asparagus or air fried broccoli would be tasty too.
Can spaghetti noodles be cooked in a crockpot?
Absolutely! It’s a great way to cook a big meal for a crowd – we love slow cooker spaghetti. A quick note is that this pasta is a bit softer than traditional spaghetti that is boiled to al dente, but not mushy.
Best spaghetti we’ve ever made! This is definitely going on our crockpot favs list. Thank you!
How long do you cook noodles in the crockpot?
It only takes four hours from start to finish to make crockpot spaghetti! It’s the best hands-off way to cook pasta.
How can I prevent condensation on my Crock Pot lid?
This is such a quick and easy trick for all crock pot recipes! Simply cover the slow cooker with a dry dishtowel or several paper towels with the edges hanging over then place the lid on it. This will soak up that extra moisture. Grab both the lids and towels when removing it so it doesn’t fall into what you are cooking.
Pro Tips for the Best Crock Pot Spaghetti
- Remember that every slow cooker cooks differently and at different temperatures. It’s important that you know your crock pot. Keep an eye on your pasta, stirring it regularly and test it so you know when it’s done. Overcooked pasta gets gummy, mushy and isn’t ideal!
- Don’t over-stir the mixture when adding ingredients halfway through cooking. It could break down the noodles and make them mushy.
- Feel free to sprinkle the top of the spaghetti with extra parmesan or mozzarella cheese towards the end of the cooking process.
More Amazing Spaghetti Recipes!
- Not sure if you want Alfredo or Spaghetti? This amazing Baked Spaghetti Casserole is perfect because it has a layer of both!
- Hearty and delicious Spaghetti Pie has layers of noodles, cheese, and your favorite spaghetti toppings! It’s always a hit dinner recipe.
- Need something quick and easy? Try Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs that you can use homemade or frozen meatballs in!
- Best Ever Spaghetti and Meatballs is so easy to make because the homemade meatballs cook right in the sauce!
More Recipes You’ll Love!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Crockpot Spaghetti Recipe
Tender spaghetti noodles, spicy Italian sausage in a creamy spaghetti sauce made with cream cheese in your slow cooker!
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- 3 jars of pasta sauce (24 ounce each)
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated or powder
- 4 ounces fat free cream cheese
- 14.5 ounces can chicken broth low sodium
Instructions
- Brown Italian sausage in medium skillet. Season with salt, pepper and garlic salt. Drain grease and set sausage aside.
- Pour one jar of pasta sauce on the bottom of your crock pot. Break spaghetti noodles in half and place on top of sauce. Put sausage on top of noodles. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Cut cream cheese into little chunks and put in crock pot on top of Parmesan cheese. Pour another jar of pasta sauce over the cream cheese.
- Cover slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours, stirring a few times throughout cooking time.
- After three hours stir spaghetti mixture. Pour last jar of pasta sauce and chicken broth into crock pot. Replace lid and cook on low for one hour.
Tips
- You can substitute the Italian sausage for ground beef, turkey or even chicken if you’d like. You can even skip the ground meat and use frozen meatballs instead!
- If you don’t want to use all chicken broth you can substitute some of it for water or all of it.
- Don’t have cream cheese? You can skip this ingredient, but the sauce won’t be as creamy.
- Remember that every slow cooker cooks differently and at different temperatures. It’s important that you know your crock pot. Keep an eye on your pasta, stirring in regularly and test it so you know when it’s done. Overcooked pasta gets gummy, mushy and isn’t ideal!
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1, Calories: 706kcal (35%), Carbohydrates: 78g (26%), Protein: 31g (62%), Fat: 31g (48%), Saturated Fat: 12g (75%), Cholesterol: 73mg (24%), Sodium: 2970mg (129%), Potassium: 1601mg (46%), Fiber: 8g (33%), Sugar: 18g (20%), Vitamin A: 1643IU (33%), Vitamin C: 25mg (30%), Calcium: 204mg (20%), Iron: 6mg (33%)
Deneen E Webster says
can you double the recipe in a 6 quart crockpot
Brooke Kill says
I think so, as long as you have enough room for the ingredients.
Sara says
Am I missing something? I could not find amounts anywhere, except for what looks like 3 jars of sauce when putting it together.
Brooke Kill says
Hi Sara, you’ll need 3 24oz jars of spaghetti sauce.
Courtney says
I am going to try this recipe tomorrow. I am excited to try it! I did wonder about adding the cream cheese and cooking it the entire time. Can I also add it the last 30 minutes of cooking or does it do just fine for the four hours? I have never tried cream cheese in the crock pot for longer. Thanks for the feedback!
Brooke Kill says
Yep, that should work just fine!
Lina Rust says
loved it was easy and simple! only took me 2 – 2 and a half hours to make, would gladly and happily make it again
Julie Evink says
Glad you enjoyed it Lina!
Michelle Carter says
Can you use beef broth instead of chicken. Broth
Julie Evink says
Yup that should be fine.
steve says
So nice to see a cooking blog that is not filled with ads so you can’t even use it and that is run by an actual person. Keep it up.
Lauren says
Love it every time i make it
Sarah Hill says
Love to hear that!
Mel says
Could I substitute penne noodles?
Sarah Hill says
While I haven’t tried it, you should be able to substitute penne noodles in place of the spaghetti. They should cook in that amount of time, but may need just a little more cooking time if they are not al dente.
Mandy says
Could I use angel hair pasta and still get the same results as I would with a regular spaghetti noodle? Also, what brand crock pot do you use?
Thank you so much!
Sarah Hill says
You might need slightly less broth because the noodles aren’t quite as thick or even a little less cooking time. I use a variety of crock pots but Cuisinart and Hamiltons work really well!
Kali says
Forgot to add chicken broth but the recipe was still very good. Love it’s simplicity and taste.
Sarah Hill says
Thanks! So glad it still turned out good!
PHYLLIS Ferrel says
So good and easy to meet
Great meal with friends.
Courtney says
Thank you! So glad you enjoy this recipe!
Holly Davis says
BEST SPAGHETTI EVER!!!!! I made it tonight and my family LOVED it
Courtney says
Awesome! Thank you so much!
Maddie says
Best spaghetti we’ve ever made! This is definitely going on our crockpot favs list. Thank you!
Courtney says
So great to hear. Thank you!
Kim says
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and cook later? Thank you.
Courtney says
And store in the refrigerator or what are you thinking?