Name: Crock Pot Pizza with Rotini, Sausage, and Pepperoni Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491280H32M51S
Total time: 3 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3 cups dry rotini pasta; 1 pound sweet mild Italian sausage; 1 cup green pepper, seeded and sliced into strips; 4 ounces fresh sliced button mushrooms; ½ cup diced sweet yellow onion; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 24 ounce jarred spaghetti sauce; ¼ cup water; 16 ounce shredded mozzarella cheese (4 cups), divided: 1 ½ cups for first layer, 1 ½ cups for second layer, and 1 cup for topping; 6 ounce package sliced pepperoni; 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

If you’re looking for a comforting, hands-off dinner that feels indulgent but is actually a breeze to make, this Crock Pot Pizza with Rotini, Sausage, and Pepperoni Recipe is going to be your new best friend. I first stumbled on this dish when I wanted all the flavors of a classic pizza but in a warm, hearty pasta form that the whole family could dig into without any fuss.

What makes this recipe so special is how the slow cooker melds together the zesty Italian sausage, melty mozzarella, and that irresistible pepperoni bite, all layered over tender rotini. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to prep ahead and come home to dinner ready to serve. Trust me—once you try this Crock Pot Pizza with Rotini, Sausage, and Pepperoni Recipe, it’ll become a go-to in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays its part in building those classic pizza flavors that we all love, while the rotini gives it a fun twist. If possible, try to pick fresh veggies and quality sausage; they really make a difference when slow-cooked.

Rotini Pasta: This spiral-shaped pasta holds sauce beautifully, making each bite flavorful.
Sweet Mild Italian Sausage: Adds savory richness. I swap for spicy sausage when I want a little heat.
Green Pepper: Provides a fresh crunch and balances the meats.
Fresh Button Mushrooms: Their earthiness deepens the dish.
Sweet Yellow Onion: Caramelizes slightly during cooking, lending sweetness.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing veggies and developing flavor.
Minced Garlic: A must-have for that classic pizza aroma.
Italian Seasoning: The herb blend ties everything together perfectly.
Spaghetti Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce; homemade works, too!
Water: Keeps the sauce from getting too thick and helps cook the pasta in the crock pot.
Mozzarella Cheese: Divided across layers for gooey, melty goodness.
Pepperoni: Sliced pepperoni brings that quintessential pizza flavor punch.
Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, bright finish when sprinkled on top.

Variations

I love to make this Crock Pot Pizza with Rotini, Sausage, and Pepperoni Recipe my own by swapping out ingredients or adding a personal touch. Feel free to experiment—there’s no wrong way here!

Vegetarian version: I’ve made it just as satisfying with plant-based sausage or adding extra veggies like zucchini and olives.
Spicy twist: Adding crushed red pepper flakes or swapping to spicy Italian sausage amps up the heat beautifully.
Cheese swap: Mixing mozzarella with provolone or even adding Parmesan on top adds extra depth.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free rotini for an allergy-friendly meal without losing the comfort.
Changing meats: Try ground beef or turkey sausage if that’s what you have on hand.

How to Make Crock Pot Pizza with Rotini, Sausage, and Pepperoni Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Veggies

Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. This step locks in flavor and gives the sausage a great texture. Once browned, toss in the green pepper, mushrooms, onion, and garlic. Sauté everything for about 5 minutes until the veggies soften slightly and the garlic is fragrant—this adds a wonderful base flavor to the slow-cooked sauce later on.

Step 2: Assemble the Layers in Your Crock Pot

Spray your crock pot with nonstick spray to make clean-up easier. Next, mix the dry rotini pasta with the spaghetti sauce, Italian seasoning, and water in a large bowl. Pour half of this mixture into the crock pot. Add half of your cooked sausage and veggie mixture on top, then sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella and half the pepperoni slices evenly over it. Repeat these layers once more: sauce and pasta, sausage and veggies, cheese, and pepperoni. Finally, top everything with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese for that gooey cheesy finish.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your crock pot and set it to low heat. Let it cook for about 3 to 4 hours, stirring gently once or twice if you’re around. The pasta will cook perfectly in the sauce, and the cheese will melt into a bubbly, irresistible topping. Be careful not to overcook it, as the pasta could get mushy if left too long.

How to Serve Crock Pot Pizza with Rotini, Sausage, and Pepperoni Recipe

A white bowl filled with baked pasta layered with curly pasta in a rich reddish-orange sauce at the bottom, topped with slightly browned melted cheese forming stretchy strings as a fork lifts some pasta. On top of the cheese layer, there are several round, reddish-brown pepperoni slices and bits of browned ground meat scattered throughout. The bowl sits on a red and white cloth with a white marbled textured surface in the background. A woman's hand holds the fork lifting the pasta. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and fresh flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or some crushed red pepper flakes bring it to the next level.

Side Dishes

This meal is rich and filling on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted garlic breadsticks to round out the dinner. A simple Caesar salad complements the flavors beautifully, too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party presentation, I’ve served this Crock Pot Pizza with Rotini, Sausage, and Pepperoni Recipe in mini crock pots or small ramekins for individual portions. It’s a great conversation starter and lets everyone customize their toppings or cheese levels. On casual nights, I just scoop it onto warm plates with a sprinkle of parsley—it’s cozy and comforting every time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually let it cool a bit before storing to prevent sogginess. When ready to eat, this dish tastes just as good reheated if you take care not to dry it out.

Freezing

I’ve had success freezing this recipe in portioned containers. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before popping it in the freezer. When defrosting, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat with a splash of water to keep the pasta moist. Covering the dish while reheating helps the cheese melt beautifully again.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta type in this Crock Pot Pizza with Rotini, Sausage, and Pepperoni Recipe?

Absolutely! While rotini works great because it holds sauce well, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like penne or ziti. Just keep in mind cooking times, as some pastas might cook faster or slower in the crock pot.
Do I need to pre-cook the sausage before adding it to the slow cooker?

Yes, I highly recommend browning the sausage first. It enhances the flavor and texture, and helps avoid excess grease in the crock pot. Plus, it cooks the meat thoroughly before slow cooking with the other ingredients.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep all the ingredients and assemble them in the crock pot insert a few hours before cooking. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to start cooking. However, I don’t recommend slow cooking for too long beyond the recipe’s time to avoid mushy pasta.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking or becoming mushy?

Using just enough water and sauce to cook the pasta evenly helps a lot. Also, stirring gently once or twice during cooking prevents clumping. Be sure to stick to the recommended cooking time—overcooking is the main culprit for mushy pasta.
What’s the best cheese to use for the Crock Pot Pizza with Rotini, Sausage, and Pepperoni Recipe?

Mozzarella is ideal here for that classic melty pizza texture. You can mix in provolone or a little Parmesan for extra flavor, but mozzarella keeps it gooey and comforting.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Pizza with Rotini, Sausage, and Pepperoni Recipe takes all the best parts of pizza night and turns them into an easy, one-pot meal that feels like a warm hug. I love how it’s simple to throw together yet feels special enough to impress friends or treat your family after a busy day. If you haven’t tried making pizza-inspired comfort food in your crock pot before, give this one a shot—you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much everyone loves it!