Name: Crockpot Spaghetti with Italian Sausage and Cream Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound Italian sausage; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic salt; 3 jars of pasta sauce (24 ounces each); ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated or powdered); 4 ounces fat free cream cheese; 1 pound spaghetti noodles; 14.5 ounces can chicken broth (low sodium)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 6 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty pasta dish that practically makes itself, the Crockpot Spaghetti with Italian Sausage and Cream Cheese Recipe is your new best friend. This recipe brings together bold Italian sausage, rich cream cheese, and luscious pasta sauce, all cooked low and slow in a crockpot to create a creamy, flavorful spaghetti that tastes like it simmered for hours on the stove—without the fuss. It’s perfect for busy days, family dinners, or anytime you want a warm hug from a bowl of pasta.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black oval dish filled with spaghetti covered in a thick, bright red tomato sauce with chunks of tomato and small pieces of meat mixed in, the pasta strands are long and intertwined, sitting on a white marbled surface with a blue and white checkered cloth on the left side photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but pack a punch when combined. Each one plays a vital role, from the spicy Italian sausage bringing a savory depth to the creamy texture that the cream cheese adds, while the Parmesan cheese enriches every bite. The pasta sauce and chicken broth help meld all these flavors together beautifully.

1 pound Italian sausage: Provides robust, hearty flavor with a little spice.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall taste without overpowering.
½ teaspoon ground pepper: Adds a subtle kick to balance the richness.
½ teaspoon garlic salt: Infuses mild garlicky goodness for depth.
3 jars of pasta sauce (24 ounces each): Forms the flavorful sauce base that coats every noodle.
1 pound spaghetti noodles: The comforting carb foundation of the dish.
½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated or powder): Brings salty sharpness and helps create a creamy texture.
4 ounces fat free cream cheese: The secret ingredient that adds smooth creaminess without heaviness.
14.5 ounces low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce luscious and helps thin it to the perfect consistency.

How to Make Crockpot Spaghetti with Italian Sausage and Cream Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage

Kick off this delicious journey by browning the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Season it with salt, pepper, and garlic salt as it cooks, then drain off the excess grease. This step builds the sturdy flavor foundation you’ll love.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot

Pour one jar of pasta sauce on the bottom of your slow cooker. Next, break the spaghetti noodles in half and place them evenly over the sauce. Layer the browned sausage on top of the noodles, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for that irresistible cheesy layer.

Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese and Sauce

Cut the cream cheese into small chunks and scatter them across the Parmesan. Then pour a second jar of pasta sauce directly over the cream cheese. This layering creates pockets of creaminess that infuse the entire dish during cooking.

Step 4: Cook on High and Stir

Cover the crockpot and cook on high for about three hours. Be sure to stir the mixture at least a couple of times during cooking to keep the noodles from sticking and to blend the flavors beautifully.

Step 5: Final Sauce and Slow Cook

After those three hours, stir the spaghetti mixture once more. Pour in the last jar of pasta sauce along with the chicken broth. Replace the lid and slow cook on low for an additional hour, letting the flavors marry perfectly and the noodles soften to tender perfection.

How to Serve Crockpot Spaghetti with Italian Sausage and Cream Cheese Recipe

The image shows browned ground meat cooked in a white pan on a stove. The meat is broken into small, uneven pieces with a slightly crumbly texture and dark brown color. The pan has a smooth surface and is seen from above with some light reflections. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley brightens up this rich dish wonderfully. Don’t forget a handful of extra Parmesan or some crushed red pepper flakes for those who love a little heat with their Italian comfort food.

Side Dishes

This spaghetti pairs beautifully with a simple crisp green salad or garlic bread that you can use to mop up every delicious drop of sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also add a fresh contrast to the creamy pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the crockpot spaghetti in mini cast-iron skillets or bake it briefly under the broiler with extra cheese on top for a bubbly, golden crust. It’s an instant crowd-pleaser that feels a bit fancy without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors actually get better with a day of resting, making this an excellent next-day lunch or dinner option.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked spaghetti in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to keep that creamy texture intact.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it looks too thick. Stir frequently to ensure even warming and to revive the luscious creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! While Italian sausage is ideal for its strong flavor, you can use turkey sausage or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly twist. Just be mindful that changing the sausage will affect the overall flavor profile.

Do I need to pre-cook the spaghetti noodles?

Nope! The magic of this recipe is that the spaghetti cooks fully in the crockpot, soaking up all the delicious sauce and flavors as it simmers.

Is cream cheese necessary?

The cream cheese really adds that creamy texture and slight tang that sets this spaghetti apart. You can omit it if needed, but your sauce won’t be quite as luxuriously smooth.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture and rich flavor, then follow the recipe as usual.

How thick should the sauce be?

The sauce will be thick and creamy but still loose enough to coat every strand of spaghetti nicely. If it seems too thick after cooking, stir in a little extra broth or pasta water to loosen it up.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Spaghetti with Italian Sausage and Cream Cheese Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone who loves comfort food without the stress. It’s simple, hands-off, and delivers rich, satisfying flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Do yourself a favor and give this recipe a try—you’ll soon see why it’s become a beloved staple in my kitchen and I’m sure it will be in yours too!