One Pot Kielbasa Pasta

$- 12 ounces kielbasa sausage, sliced - 12 ounces penne pasta - 1 medium onion, chopped - 1 bell pepper, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced Kielbasa sausage gives this dish its rich flavor. Use any brand you like. Penne pasta holds the sauce well, making every bite delicious. Fresh vegetables, like onion and bell pepper, add color and crunch. - 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces), undrained - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Diced tomatoes add sweetness and acidity. The vegetable broth keeps the pasta moist. Italian seasoning brings all the flavors together. - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 cup frozen peas - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving Red pepper flakes give a nice kick if you want spice. Frozen peas add a pop of color and sweetness. Parmesan cheese on top makes it creamy and rich. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa sausage to the pot. Cook it for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want it nicely browned. This browning makes the sausage tasty and gives it a nice texture. Once it's browned, take it out and set it aside. This simple step builds a great flavor base for the dish. Next, it's time for the veggies. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté these for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them to soften up a bit. Then, stir in the minced garlic. Cook it for just one more minute. Garlic adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to the mix. Now, pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and the vegetable broth. Stir everything together well. Next, add the penne pasta along with one teaspoon of Italian seasoning and half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like spice. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is al dente. In the last two minutes, add one cup of frozen peas and mix them in. Finally, return the browned kielbasa to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken before serving. Enjoy your one pot kielbasa pasta! To ensure your pasta is al dente, follow these steps: - Use a timer to keep track of cooking time. - Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking. - Taste the pasta a minute before the time is up. It should be firm yet tender. Adjusting seasoning is key for great flavor. I always start with a little salt and pepper. As you cook, taste it often. Add more salt or pepper as needed. If you like spice, toss in more red pepper flakes. Garnishing with fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Simply chop the parsley and sprinkle it on top just before serving. Adding cheese can elevate your dish. Grated Parmesan cheese brings a rich flavor. You can mix it in or sprinkle it on top. Either way, it makes the meal shine. Prepping your ingredients in advance makes cooking smoother. Chop your veggies and slice the kielbasa before starting. It saves time and keeps you organized. Using a Dutch oven can boost efficiency. It heats evenly and holds heat well. You can cook everything in one pot, which saves on cleanup. This makes your cooking experience quicker and easier. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Kielbasa: Select a flavorful kielbasa for the best taste. Look for options that are naturally smoked for a rich, savory profile. Customize Your Veggies: Add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrition. Just ensure they are cut to a similar size for even cooking. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. Start with less and add more gradually! Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the sauce thicken, resulting in a creamier texture. {{image_2}} You can switch out the kielbasa for other types of sausage. Turkey sausage or chicken sausage works well. These swaps can lower fat and calories. You can also use plant-based sausage if you want a vegan option. Changing the pasta shape is another fun swap. Use rotini, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta. Each shape holds sauce differently. This can change the dish's texture and flavor balance. Adding vegetables boosts flavor and nutrition. Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers fit nicely. You can toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. This will keep them fresh and crunchy. Experimenting with herbs and spices is a great way to enhance the flavor. Try fresh basil, oregano, or thyme. A sprinkle of smoked paprika can add a nice depth. Adjust spices based on your taste preferences. To make this dish gluten-free, swap the penne pasta for a gluten-free variety. Ensure the broth is also gluten-free. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. For a vegan version, use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth. You can also skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. This keeps the dish tasty while meeting dietary needs. To store leftovers properly, let the pasta cool first. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to cover it well to keep the flavors locked in. If you want to eat it later, just grab it out when you're ready. For long-term storage, freeze the pasta once it cools. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Just label the container with the date. This way, you won’t forget when you made it. When you're ready to eat, it's best to thaw it overnight in the fridge. The best methods to reheat One Pot Kielbasa Pasta are either on the stove or in the microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of broth or water to a pot. Heat it gently, stirring until warm. If you choose the microwave, place it in a bowl with a little liquid. Cover it loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the flavors intact and brings back the taste! Yes, you can. Here are some great options: - Fusilli - Farfalle - Rotini - Spaghetti These shapes work well. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed. Each pasta may cook differently. To add heat, you can include: - More red pepper flakes - Sliced jalapeños - Hot sauce Start with a little. You can always add more as it cooks. Taste often to find your perfect spice level. Pair this dish with: - A fresh green salad - Garlic bread - Steamed broccoli - Roasted vegetables These sides create a balanced meal. They add color and nutrients to your plate. Enjoy your tasty, complete dinner! We explored how to make a tasty One Pot Kielbasa Pasta. You learned about main ingredients like kielbasa, penne, and fresh vegetables. I shared tips for cooking, storing, and serving this dish. Feel free to mix ingredients for your taste. Adjust to any diet needs too! Enjoy this fun cooking project, and create delicious meals your family will love.$

A delicious and easy one-pot meal featuring kielbasa sausage and penne pasta cooked in a flavorful broth with vegetables.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

12 ounces kielbasa sausage, sliced
12 ounces penne pasta
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper diced
14.5 ounces can diced tomatoes, undrained
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
1 cup frozen peas
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
to taste grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, and stir to combine.
Add the penne pasta, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
Add the frozen peas in the last 2 minutes of cooking, and then stir back in the browned kielbasa.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and visual appeal.

Keyword easy meal, kielbasa, one pot, pasta