So, I tossed the smoky kielbasa with hearty pasta and whatever fresh veggies I had—bell peppers, onions, and a handful of spinach. The whole thing comes together in about 30 minutes, which is perfect when you’re short on time but still want a meal that feels complete and satisfying. Pasta is one of our go-to ingredients when we want a quick and easy, yet totally satisfying dinner. From the light and fresh Pasta and Peas, to the rich and decadent Gigi Hadid Pasta, there’s so much you can do with a box of pasta. Now today’s pasta dinner is a good mix of carbs, protein, and veggies for a healthy, well-rounded meal and it all happens in one skillet. Win, win for me.
Ingredient Notes
Pasta – You can use any type of pasta, but I like a short tubular shape like penne or rotini. Linguini or fettuccini also work great here. Kielbasa Sausage – The star of the show. As it’s already cooked, all it needs is a quick browning to add to the depth of flavor. Be sure to check out my collection of favorite Kielbasa recipes! Aromatics – Onion and garlic. For a milder flavor, shallots can be used in place of the onion. Bell Peppers – Any color of bell pepper works well in this recipe. Go with a mix for flavor variety. Today I am using red and yellow. Tomatoes: I like fresh tomatoes, but canned diced tomatoes can also be used. Italian Seasoning – If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can make your own blend using dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Crushed Red Pepper – This is optional but I love it here. Chicken Broth – Use any of your preferred brands, I like Better than Bouillon. Fresh Basil – If fresh basil isn’t available, dried basil can be used, but it should be added during the cooking process rather than as a garnish. As dried is more potent, you would want to use considerably less. Alternately, you could use fresh parsley.
Kielbasa Pasta Recipe
- Cook the pasta: I start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until it’s al dente, just like the package directions say. Then, I drain it and set it aside.
- Brown the sausage: While the pasta is cooking, I brown the sausage on both sides until it’s nicely caramelized. Then, I remove it to a plate and set it aside.
- Create the sauce: Later I start by sautéing the onion for about 5 minutes. Once it’s softened, I add in the garlic and a pinch of crushed red pepper, letting them cook together for a minute. Then, I stir in the tomatoes and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, cooking everything until the tomatoes begin to soften and break down, about 4-5 minutes. Next, I pour in the chicken broth slowly, making sure to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan to deglaze it. Finally, I add the peppers and the browned sausage back into the pan, and let the whole mixture simmer for another 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Finalize the dish: Then just toss in cooked pasta along with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.
Variations
Add More Protein: I sometimes add chicken or shrimp to this dish too. They both go really well with the kielbasa and make the meal even more filling and flavorful. Veggie Boost: Add more veggies for extra bulk and nutrition. Think mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, spinach or broccoli. Make it Creamy: Some days I like to stir in half a cup of heavy whipping cream right at the end of the cooking time. It makes the dish really creamy and delicious! Cheesy Pasta Bake: After tossing everything together, sprinkle with cheese (like mozzarella and/or parmesan), and bake until bubbly and golden.
Tips
Pasta Perfection: Cook the pasta al dente so it retains some bite. This prevents it from becoming too soft when tossed with the other ingredients. Sausage Searing: Brown the kielbasa well in the skillet. This caramelization adds depth to the overall flavor of the dish. Deglaze Thoroughly: When I add the chicken broth, I make sure to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Those bits are packed with flavor and really enhance the dish.
Delicious, nutritious, and ready in 30 minutes… that’s my Kielbasa pasta! Grab some Polish sausage on your next trip to the grocery store, and whip up this great dinner in no time. Pin or bookmark this easy recipe so you always know where to find it. And be sure to subscribe to GypsyPlate, we’re always cooking up new recipes for you. For more easy weeknight dinners, check out our hand picked collection of Dinner Ideas for Tonight. Until next time…
Kielbasa Pasta, on our Gypsy Plate… enjoy!
More great pasta dishes to try:TikTok SpaghettiEspagueti VerdeChicken Pastina SoupLouisiana Chicken PastaOrecchiette with SausageCreamy Sausage PastaPastalaya
