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- 12 oz penne pasta - 12 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 3 cups vegetable broth These main ingredients create a hearty base for your one pot meal. The penne pasta cooks well and holds sauces nicely. The kielbasa adds a rich, savory flavor. Fresh vegetables like onion, garlic, and bell pepper give great texture and taste. Canned tomatoes and broth keep the dish moist and flavorful. - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste Spices make this dish pop. Smoked paprika brings warmth, while oregano adds an earthy touch. Red pepper flakes give it a kick. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes. - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Garnishes make every dish feel special. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top for creaminess. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. These optional touches elevate your meal and make it even more inviting. {{ingredient_image_1}} How to slice kielbasa sausage Start by placing the kielbasa on a clean cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice it into thin rounds, about ¼ inch thick. This will help the sausage cook evenly and give great flavor to your dish. How to dice onion, garlic, and bell pepper For the onion, cut off the ends and peel the skin. Slice it in half, then cut it into small pieces. For garlic, take two cloves, remove the skins, and mince them finely. For the bell pepper, cut off the top and bottom, remove the seeds, and chop it into small cubes. This mix adds a rich flavor and color to your pasta. Sautéing the kielbasa and vegetables In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook for about five minutes. Stir until the sausage is brown and crisp. Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for two to three minutes until the onion is soft. Then, add the chopped bell pepper and cook for another two minutes until just tender. Adding pasta and liquid Now, it’s time to add more flavor! Stir in the canned tomatoes with their juices, vegetable broth, smoked paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything well. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta, stir it in, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta should be al dente, and most of the liquid should be absorbed. Melting cheese into the dish After the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat. Stir in one cup of shredded cheese. This makes the dish creamy and delicious. Make sure the cheese is fully melted and mixed in. Letting flavors meld Let the dish sit for a few minutes. This helps the flavors blend together, making every bite tasty. You can serve it right away or garnish with chopped parsley for a nice touch. Enjoy your meal! To make sure your pasta is just right, aim for al dente. This means it should be firm but cooked through. The trick? Start checking the pasta a minute or two before the package says. Taste a piece; if it’s slightly firm in the center, it’s perfect! Next, adjust the seasoning to your taste. Start with what the recipe says, but feel free to add more salt or pepper if you want more flavor. Tasting as you go helps you find that perfect balance. Cleaning your pot after cooking can be quick and easy. First, soak the pot with warm soapy water for a few minutes. This helps to loosen any stuck bits. Then, use a soft sponge to scrub it clean. Avoid steel wool, as it can scratch the surface. To minimize cleanup time, gather all your ingredients before cooking. This way, you won’t have to clean up messes while you cook. Also, using one pot means less to wash later! You can easily boost the flavor of your One Pot Kielbasa Pasta. Try adding extra spices like Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like basil. A splash of lemon juice can brighten the dish too. Using leftover vegetables is a smart way to add more nutrition. If you have some spinach or zucchini, toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. This not only uses up what you have, but it also adds great flavor and color to your meal. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Keep an eye on your pasta while it cooks. You want it to be firm to the bite for the best texture and flavor absorption. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap or add vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms based on your preference or what you have on hand. Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or gouda, for a unique flavor twist in your dish. Leftover Magic: This dish makes excellent leftovers! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat for a quick meal. {{image_2}} You can swap out pasta types based on what you have. Try using bowtie or fusilli pasta for fun shapes. If you want to change the sausage, use chicken or turkey kielbasa instead. For a plant-based option, look for vegetarian sausage. These swaps keep the dish tasty and exciting. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free penne pasta. Many brands offer great choices. For those who avoid dairy, use dairy-free cheese. Brands like Daiya or Violife melt well and taste good. These options help everyone enjoy this meal. To add richness, pour in a splash of cream. This makes the sauce smooth and creamy. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or thyme. These herbs brighten the dish and add depth. Experimenting with flavors can make your pasta unique and delicious. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. I suggest using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. They seal well and are easy to stack in your fridge. For safe reheating, you can use the microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heat. On the stovetop, warm it over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of broth if it gets too thick. One Pot Kielbasa Pasta lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it properly. If you want to freeze it, place portions in freezer-safe bags. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just remember to label the bags with the date. One Pot Kielbasa Pasta is a simple, hearty dish. It mixes pasta with kielbasa sausage, fresh veggies, and spices. You cook everything in one pot, saving time and cleanup. The main ingredients are: - 12 oz penne pasta - 12 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 3 cups vegetable broth - Spices: smoked paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) - Fresh parsley for garnish This dish is not only easy but also full of flavor. The smoky kielbasa pairs well with the sweet bell pepper and tangy tomatoes. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Just cook it as usual and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container. When you are ready to eat, heat it on the stove or microwave. For meal prep, you can chop your veggies and slice the kielbasa in advance. Keep them in the fridge. This saves time on busy nights. This pasta dish pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - A simple green salad with vinaigrette - Garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping - Steamed broccoli or green beans for a healthy touch These sides enhance the meal and add variety. Enjoy your delicious One Pot Kielbasa Pasta with these tasty additions! This blog post covered a simple and tasty one-pot kielbasa pasta meal. We talked about key ingredients, spices, and easy step-by-step cooking instructions. I shared tips for perfect pasta, cleaning, and variations based on your taste. Plus, I explained how to store leftovers properly. Now, you can make this dish your own and enjoy every bite. Cooking should be fun, and this recipe offers a great way to learn. Get creative and let your kitchen shine!

One Pot Zesty Kielbasa Pasta

A flavorful and easy one-pot pasta dish with kielbasa, vegetables, and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 12 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced (any color)
  • 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or deep skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and sauté until browned, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot, stirring to combine with the sausage. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened.
  • Stir in the bell pepper and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until slightly tender.
  • Add the canned tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, smoked paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir to mix everything together.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the penne pasta. Stir well, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta should be cooked al dente, and liquid mostly absorbed.
  • Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes for the flavors to meld.

Notes

Serve garnished with fresh parsley and additional cheese if desired.
Keyword easy dinner, kielbasa, one-pot, pasta