Slow Cooker Creamy Sweet Potato Sausage Cavatappi
If you’re looking for a cozy slow cooker pasta recipe that tastes rich and comforting without hours in the kitchen, this Slow Cooker Creamy Sweet Potato Sausage Cavatappi is exactly what you need.
This easy crockpot sausage pasta combines sweet potato puree, maple syrup, heavy cream, chicken stock, and thyme into one creamy mixture poured right over raw andouille sausage and dry cavatappi pasta. After a few hours, you get a creamy, slightly sweet, gently smoky pasta dish that feels gourmet but requires almost no effort.
It’s the perfect February comfort food recipe, ideal for cold nights, busy families, and anyone craving a hearty slow cooker dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Sausage Pasta
One-mixture recipe No complicated steps
Family-friendly comfort food
Hands-off crockpot dinner
Perfect cold-weather meal
Rich, creamy, smoky flavor combination
Minimal prep time
Health & Comfort Benefits:
Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness plus fiber and vitamin A.
Andouille sausage brings satisfying protein and smoky depth.
Slow cooking allows flavors to fully develop while keeping the pasta tender and creamy.
A balanced combination of carbs, protein, and fats makes this a filling, satisfying winter dinner.
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3–4 hours (LOW)
Ingredients:
12 oz dry cavatappi pasta
1 lb raw andouille sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 ½ cups sweet potato puree (canned or homemade)
1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken stock
1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 tbsp butter (optional)
Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Lightly grease your 5–6 quart slow cooker.
Spread dry cavatappi pasta evenly on the bottom.
Layer raw sausage pieces evenly over the pasta.
In a bowl, whisk together sweet potato puree, chicken stock, heavy cream, maple syrup, thyme, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Pour this creamy sweet potato mixture evenly over the pasta and sausage, pressing down pasta to submerge.
Cover and cook:
LOW: 3–4 hours
HIGH: 1½–2 hours
Once pasta is tender, stir in ¾ cup Parmesan and butter until melted and creamy.
Let sit uncovered for 5 minutes to thicken.
Top with remaining Parmesan and fresh herbs. Serve warm.
Serving Suggestions:
This creamy crockpot sausage pasta pairs perfectly with:
Simple green salad
Steamed green beans
Garlic bread
Crusty baguette
Fresh fruit or sliced apples
Expert Tips for Perfect Crockpot Pasta
Stir once halfway through cooking for even texture.
Expert Tips for Perfect Crockpot Pasta
Stir once halfway through cooking for even texture.
If sauce thickens too much, add warm chicken stock or milk.
For extra cheesiness, add shredded mozzarella at the end.
Stir in baby spinach or frozen peas during the last 10 minutes for extra veggies.
Swap andouille for mild Italian sausage for picky eaters.
Variations:
Lighter Version: Replace half the heavy cream with whole milk.
Extra Smoky: Increase smoked paprika.
Breakfast Twist: Add 3 tbsp maple syrup and top with a fried egg.
Kid-Friendly Option: Skip smoked paprika and call it “creamy mac and sausage.”
