Crockpot Kielbasa Pesto Farfalle: Dump-and-Go Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best texture, use a slow cooker with a ceramic insert, which distributes heat evenly and prevents hot spots. If your slow cooker runs hot, reduce the cooking time to 2 hours and check the pasta.

You can also cook on high for 1 1/2 to 2 hours if you're in a hurry, but low heat gives a more developed flavor.

To make this dish even more indulgent, add a handful of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

For a lighter version, use turkey kielbasa and reduced-fat cream cheese. The recipe is very forgiving—feel free to adjust the amount of spinach or pesto to your taste.

Variations

• Spicy Sausage: Use andouille sausage or add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes with the pesto. For extra heat, stir in a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce before serving.
• Vegetarian: Omit the kielbasa and add 12 oz of sautéed mushrooms or a can of drained chickpeas for protein. Use a vegetarian pesto and increase the spinach to 6 cups.
• Cheesy Herb: Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan and 1 teaspoon dried oregano along with the mozzarella. Use a basil pesto with extra garlic for a more aromatic flavor.
• Creamy Tomato: Stir in 1 cup of marinara sauce with the pesto, and reduce the cream cheese to 4 oz. The tomato adds acidity that balances the richness of the cheese.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools; add a splash of milk when reheating to restore creaminess.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat individual servings in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta will absorb some sauce as it sits, so you may want to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook as directed.

If starting from cold, add about 30 minutes to the cooking time. Alternatively, cook the dish fully, let it cool, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before reheating.

Serving ideas

Serve this creamy pasta as a main dish with a simple green salad and crusty bread on the side. The rich sauce pairs well with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti. For a complete meal, add a side of roasted vegetables or a Caesar salad.

For a fun presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of fresh basil and a drizzle of pesto.

This dish is also great for potlucks or family gatherings—it travels well and stays warm in the slow cooker. Leftovers make a delicious lunch the next day, served cold or reheated.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Kielbasa Pesto Farfalle: Dump-and-Go Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 3 hTotal 3 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb smoked kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 12 oz farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 cup basil pesto
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 2 cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella

Instructions

1. Place the sliced kielbasa in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the farfalle pasta, then scatter the baby spinach over the top. Spoon the basil pesto over the spinach and stir gently to coat the pasta and sausage with the pesto.
2. Place the cubed cream cheese in the center of the mixture. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Do not stir—the cheese will melt and create a creamy sauce as it cooks.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Stir gently halfway through cooking to combine the sauce and ensure even cooking.
4. Once the pasta is tender, stir the mixture well to incorporate the melted cheese into a smooth sauce. Serve immediately, spooning onto plates or bowls. Garnish with additional pesto or fresh basil if desired.

Contains: gluten, milk, tree nuts

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

680

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

42 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.