Autumn Comfort: Just 5 ingredients. I make it when I want dinner handled hours ahead with zero effort in between.
This 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Orecchiette Supper combines savory Italian sausage, cup-shaped orecchiette pasta, rich pasta sauce, and chicken broth in a simple hands-off dish. Finished with a layer of melted mozzarella cheese, the pasta cooks directly in the sauce to create a thick, comforting meal that is ready with minimal effort.
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5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Orecchiette Supper
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Italian sausage, casings removed | 1 pound |
| Dry orecchiette | 12 ounces |
| Pasta sauce | 1 (24-ounce) jar |
| Chicken broth | 3 cups |
| Mozzarella cheese, shredded | 1 1/2 cups |
Step-By-Step Directions:
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Brown sausage: Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.
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Combine in slow cooker: Transfer the cooked sausage into the slow cooker. Add the dry orecchiette, pasta sauce, and chicken broth, stirring thoroughly to ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in liquid.
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Slow cook: Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 2 1/2 to 3 hours (stirring once or twice during cooking if convenient) until the orecchiette is tender and the liquid has thickened.
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Melt cheese and serve: Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, cover with the lid, and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and creamy. Spoon warm into bowls and serve.
