This is the kind of dish you throw together on a weekday evening, when it’s cool outside and you want a warm dinner without being stuck at the stove. The slow cooker works gently while the sauce comes together, the noodles become tender, and the smoked sausage flavors the whole dish.
Ingredients :
- Smoked turkey or beef sausage — It provides the main flavor of the dish, with a smoky note that perfumes the sauce during cooking. Choose a pre-cooked, firm sausage that’s easy to slice into even rounds; smoked chicken also works very well.
- Egg noodles — They give a soft texture and absorb the creamy broth at the end of cooking. Opt for wide noodles if possible, as they hold up better and become less mushy.
- Chicken broth — It serves as a savory base and prevents a flat sauce, especially with noodles that absorb a lot. Use a low-sodium broth if your sausage is already well-seasoned, or replace with vegetable broth for a milder taste.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half — It rounds out the dish and creates a smooth sauce that coats the noodles. Heavy cream stands up better to slow cooking; if using a lighter version, add it toward the end to keep a silky texture.
