Slow Cooker Vegetarian Mac and Cheese

A hearty and comforting vegetarian mac and cheese made easily in the slow cooker. Packed with whole grain pasta, Italian-flavored vegetarian sausage, and a rich Alfredo and mozzarella cheese blend. Effortless, cheesy, and perfect for the whole family.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 3 30

Total Time 3 45

Servings: 6 portions

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

14 oz stewed tomatoes 1 can, undrained
1.5 cup prepared Alfredo sauce high-quality jarred recommended
1.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 6 oz total, divided - 1 cup stirred in, 1/2 cup layered on top
8 oz whole grain pasta medium shells or penne, cooked to al dente and drained before adding
7 oz Italian-flavored vegetarian sausage links cut into 1/4-inch slices
0.75 cup fresh basil leaves thinly sliced and divided - 1/2 cup for cooking, 1/4 cup for garnish
0.5 cup vegetable broth low-sodium recommended
0.5 tsp salt
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese for topping only, do not stir in

Equipment

Slow cooker/crockpot
Nonstick cooking spray
Large pot for boiling pasta
Mixing spoon

Method

Cook the whole grain pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain well and set aside. Do not overcook - the pasta continues softening in the slow cooker.
Coat the inside of your slow cooker thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray, including up the sides.
Add the stewed tomatoes (undrained), Alfredo sauce, 1 cup of the mozzarella, the cooked pasta, vegetarian sausage slices, 1/2 cup of the fresh basil, vegetable broth, and salt to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella and all of the Parmesan evenly over the top of the mixture. Do not stir these in.
Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3.5 hours or on HIGH for 2 hours. Do not lift the lid during cooking.
Once cooking is complete, scatter the remaining 1/4 cup of fresh basil over the top and serve immediately straight from the slow cooker.

Notes

Cook pasta to al dente before adding to the slow cooker - skipping this step leads to mushy results. Do not lift the lid during slow cooking. Use a high-quality Alfredo sauce for best flavor. Freezing is not recommended as the sauce may separate when thawed. Reheat with a splash of vegetable broth or milk to restore creaminess. If vegetarian sausage is raw, ensure slices are no thicker than 1/4 inch.