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- 8 oz. penne pasta - 12 oz. kielbasa, sliced - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1 medium zucchini, diced - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and freshly cracked pepper - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish This dish starts with simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role. First, the penne pasta gives a nice bite. Next, the kielbasa adds a rich, savory flavor. The olive oil helps the ingredients cook well. Then, we have the onion and garlic. They create a fragrant base. The red bell pepper and zucchini add color and crunch. Chicken broth is vital. It brings moisture and depth to the dish. Italian seasoning gives it a lovely, herby taste. If you like spice, the red pepper flakes are optional. Don't forget salt and pepper to taste. They enhance all the flavors. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness, while spinach brings freshness. Finally, Parmesan cheese makes it creamy and rich. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to make a delicious meal. It’s simple, yet so flavorful! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, grab a large pot. Pour in one tablespoon of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Watch for it to shimmer. Then, add the sliced kielbasa. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes. You want it browned and a bit crispy. This step adds great flavor. Next, add the finely diced onion, minced garlic, and thinly sliced red bell pepper to the pot. Stir well and cook for 3-4 minutes. The onion should turn translucent, and the peppers will soften. This mix will bring out a sweet aroma. Now, it’s time for the zucchini. Add the diced zucchini and stir everything together. Carefully pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring this to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add the 8 oz. of penne pasta, 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. After the pasta cooks to your liking, fold in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of chopped spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften. Remove the pot from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese. This makes the dish creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt or pepper. To ensure even cooking of your pasta, always stir it during cooking. This helps prevent sticking and allows the pasta to absorb the rich flavors. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the broth. If it’s not, add a bit more broth or water. This will keep it from becoming dry. If you want to add some heat, increase the red pepper flakes. For a milder dish, skip them altogether. You can also add a splash of hot sauce for a different spice profile. Taste as you go, and adjust until you find your perfect level of heat. For a creamier sauce, use more Parmesan cheese. It melts beautifully and adds a rich flavor. You can also stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese after cooking. This will make your dish even more luscious and satisfying. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the penne pasta until it is al dente to ensure the best texture. It will continue to absorb liquid while resting, so slightly undercooking it is a great strategy. Enhance Flavor: For an added depth of flavor, consider browning the kielbasa longer until it’s caramelized. This creates a rich, savory base for your dish. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to mix up the vegetables! Seasonal veggies like asparagus or mushrooms can be great substitutes in this recipe. Garnish for Freshness: Don’t skip the fresh basil leaves! They not only add a burst of color but also a fresh, aromatic touch that brightens the dish. {{image_4}} You can make your one pot kielbasa pasta even more colorful and healthy. Here are some great veggies to try: - Mushrooms: They add a nice earthy flavor. - Broccoli: Toss in some florets for crunch. - Carrots: Dice them for a sweet touch. - Peas: Add them for a pop of color and sweetness. Feel free to mix and match these vegetables. They not only boost nutrition but also add fun flavors to your dish. If you want to switch up the protein, there are many options. You can try: - Chicken: Use bite-sized pieces. Cook them until golden. - Turkey Sausage: A lighter option that still packs flavor. - Tofu: For a vegetarian choice, use firm tofu. Sauté it to add texture. These substitutes keep the meal exciting and cater to different diets. You can use other pasta shapes besides penne. Here are a few ideas: - Fusilli: Its twists hold sauce well. - Farfalle: These bow-ties add a fun look. - Shells: They catch the sauce nicely. Choosing different pasta shapes can change the meal's texture and fun. Enjoy experimenting! To store leftovers safely, let the dish cool down. Once cooled, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it tightly to keep it fresh. This meal lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Always check for any bad smells or changes in color before eating leftovers. If you want to freeze your pasta, first allow it to cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can also use heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as you can. It will stay good for about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat your One Pot Kielbasa Pasta, the best method is on the stove. Place it in a pot over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out. Stir it often until it's heated through. You can also use a microwave, but be sure to cover it to keep the moisture in. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, for even warming. Yes, you can use other types of sausage. Try smoked sausage, Italian sausage, or turkey sausage. Each will change the flavor a bit. Just ensure you slice them thinly, so they cook well. You can also use plant-based sausage for a meat-free option. To keep pasta from sticking, stir it often while it cooks. You can also add a little olive oil to the pot. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the broth. This helps it cook evenly and stay separate. If you notice sticking, stir more while it simmers. One Pot Kielbasa Pasta pairs well with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette works great. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a tasty side. If you like, add some roasted veggies for extra color and flavor. Enjoy your meal with a light dessert, like fruit or sorbet. This blog post revealed how to make a delightful one-pot kielbasa pasta. We explored necessary ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips for success. Remember, you can swap ingredients or add veggies for a twist. Proper storage ensures your leftovers stay fresh and tasty. Whether you're a busy cook or a pasta lover, this meal shines. I hope you enjoy making this dish for yourself or loved ones. Happy cooking!

One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Delight

A delicious and easy one-pot pasta dish featuring kielbasa, vegetables, and a creamy sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz. penne pasta
  • 12 oz. kielbasa, sliced into round discs
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked pepper
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • to garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
  • Add the sliced kielbasa to the pot, frying until browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Incorporate the finely diced onion, minced garlic, and thinly sliced red bell pepper into the pot. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
  • Introduce the diced zucchini to the mix, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.
  • Carefully pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Add the penne pasta, dried Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and season generously with salt and freshly cracked pepper.
  • Cover the pot and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
  • Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove the pot from heat, and stir in the finely grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and combines with the other ingredients.
  • Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  • Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Serve in deep bowls and consider a light drizzle of olive oil and extra Parmesan for garnish.
Keyword easy meal, kielbasa, one pot, pasta