Slow Cooker Sausage Boursin Pasta
Slow Cooker Sausage Boursin Pasta is tender cavatappi and chicken sausage in a creamy garlic herb sauce, with the pasta cooked right in the slow cooker. It's an easy, family friendly dinner that does most of its work while you get on with your day!
Quick Look: Slow Cooker Sausage Boursin Pasta
Ready In: 3-4 hours on high, 5-6 hours on low
Serves: 4
Calories: 609 Calories
Main Ingredients: chicken sausage, cavatappi pasta, Boursin cheese, Parmesan, fresh spinach
Why You'll Love It: this Slow Cooker Sausage Boursin Pasta is easy to make, kid friendly, cooks the pasta in the same pot, and is perfect for a busy weeknight.
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Slow cooker pasta is one of my favorite ways to get dinner on the table on a busy weeknight, because the pasta cooks right in the sauce and there's no extra pot to wash. I've done it with my Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup and Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup, and this time I wanted something creamy instead of brothy.
This Slow Cooker Sausage Boursin Pasta is what came out of that. Chicken sausage simmers with onion, broth, and Italian seasoning for a few hours, then the cavatappi, a whole wheel of Garlic & Fine Herbs Boursin, and a little cream go in to finish. A handful of Parmesan and fresh spinach at the end, and it's done. All of my kids loved this one, which doesn't happen with every dinner at our house!
If your family likes a creamy slow cooker dinner, you'll also want to try my Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken. And for another pasta night that cooks low and slow, my Slow Cooker Turkey Bolognese is a good one to keep in the rotation.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
One Pot - the pasta cooks right in the slow cooker, so there's no separate pot of boiling water.
Kid Friendly - mild, creamy, and cheesy. All of my kids cleaned their plates.
Hands Off - a few minutes of sauteing up front, then the slow cooker does the rest.
Flexible Timing - cook the first step on high for 3 to 4 hours, or on low for 4 to 6 hours if you need more time.
Key Ingredients
Chicken Broth - this is the cooking liquid for the sausage and the pasta.
Chicken Sausage - I used Italian chicken sausage which added great flavor. I cut into bite-sized pieces, and it's already fully cooked, so it just soaks up flavor in the slow cooker.
Italian Seasoning - an easy way to add herbs without measuring out a bunch of different spices.
Cavatappi Pasta - the corkscrew shape holds onto the creamy sauce. It goes in uncooked.
Boursin Cheese - I use the Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor. The whole wheel melts into the sauce and does most of the seasoning work.
Heavy Cream - adds richness and keeps the sauce silky as the pasta cooks.
Parmesan Cheese - stirred in at the end for a salty, cheesy finish.
Fresh Spinach - chopped and stirred in for the last few minutes, so it wilts without getting mushy.
Variations and Substitutions
Different Sausage - Italian pork sausage or turkey sausage would both work. If it's raw, brown it fully with the onion before it goes in the slow cooker.
Different Pasta - penne, rotini, or another short, sturdy pasta can stand in for cavatappi. Cooking time may vary a little, so check it at 30 minutes.
Different Boursin Flavor - Shallot & Chive would also be good here.
Half and Half - can replace the heavy cream, though the sauce won't be quite as rich.
Swap the Greens - chopped kale works instead of spinach. Give it a few extra minutes to soften.
Add Veggies - sun-dried tomatoes or sauteed mushrooms would be a nice addition.
How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage Boursin Pasta
Step 1.
Instructions
Step 2.
Instructions
Expert Tips
Add More Broth If Needed - if the sauce looks too thick after the pasta cooks, stir in a splash more broth. I didn't need any extra, since the cream keeps it plenty saucy.
Push the Pasta Under - when you add the cavatappi, give it a stir so the pasta is covered by the liquid and cooks evenly. You also will want to stir it once or twice throughout that cooking period.
Check the Pasta - every slow cooker runs a little differently. Taste a piece at the 30 minute mark so it doesn't go past tender.
Serving Suggestions - this is a full meal on its own, but a simple green salad with Greek Yogurt Honey Mustard or a slice of garlic bread on the side is never a bad idea.
Storage - store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The pasta soaks up sauce as it sits, so add a splash of broth or milk when you reheat. I don't recommend freezing this one, since cream sauces can turn a little grainy when thawed.
Slow Cooker Sausage Boursin Pasta Recipe FAQs
No! The cavatappi goes into the slow cooker uncooked and cooks right in the sauce during the last 40 minutes.
Most chicken sausage is sold fully cooked, so it just needs to be cut into pieces. Check the package. If you use a raw sausage, brown it all the way through first.
Boursin is a soft, spreadable cheese flavored with herbs. You'll find it near the specialty cheeses at most grocery stores. Melted into this pasta, it makes a garlicky, herby cream sauce with almost no effort.
Other Recipes to Consider
If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on this recipe below and leave a comment, or take a photo and tag me on Instagram with #greensnchocolate.
Slow Cooker Sausage Boursin Pasta
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- ½ white onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 12 ounces chicken sausage cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces cavatappi pasta uncooked
- 1 wheel Boursin cheese Garlic & Fine Herbs
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
Instructions
- If your slow cooker has a saute function, turn it on. If not, heat a skillet on the stovetop.
- Add the olive oil and onion and saute until softened. If using a skillet, transfer the onion to the slow cooker.
- Add the chicken broth, chicken sausage, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours (or on low for 4 to 6 hours).
- Turn the slow cooker to high if needed. Stir in the cavatappi and heavy cream. Make sure the pasta is coated in broth. Place the Boursin on top. Cover and cook 30 more minutes.
- After 30 minutes, stir to combine the Boursin and then stir in the Parmesan cheese and spinach. Cover and cook another 10-15 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the spinach is wilted. Serve and enjoy!
