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The key to making One Pot Kielbasa Pasta is gathering fresh and tasty ingredients. Here is what you need: - 8 oz. penne pasta - 12 oz. kielbasa, sliced into rounds - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 zucchini, diced - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup spinach - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient plays a role in building flavor. The penne pasta soaks up the broth and spices, giving you a hearty bite. The kielbasa brings a rich, savory taste. Fresh veggies add color, crunch, and nutrients. Using good chicken broth is key. It adds depth and warmth to the dish. The Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes deliver a comforting spice that brings everything together. Remember, fresh ingredients make all the difference. They ensure your meal is not just quick but also full of flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Heating oil and browning kielbasa Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 12 oz. of sliced kielbasa. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Aim for a nice brown color on the kielbasa. This adds great flavor! 2. Sautéing vegetables Next, stir in 1 medium diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 sliced red bell pepper. Sauté these for 3-4 minutes. You want them to soften and smell amazing. 3. Cooking pasta and adding broth Now, add 1 diced zucchini to the pot. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in 8 oz. of penne pasta along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you like heat), and salt and pepper to taste. Make sure the pasta is well covered by the broth. 4. Final touches and serving Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to stop the pasta from sticking. Once the pasta is al dente, mix in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Finally, remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your meal! - How to avoid sticky pasta To keep your pasta from sticking, stir it well during cooking. Make sure to keep the pasta submerged in the broth. A quick stir every few minutes helps. - Ensuring even cooking of ingredients Cut all veggies to similar sizes. This way, they cook at the same rate. Start with the kielbasa, then add the onion and garlic. This sequence builds great flavor. - Adjusting seasonings for flavor Taste as you go. Add salt and pepper slowly. If you like heat, try more red pepper flakes. Adjust the Italian seasoning based on your taste. - Best pot to use A large, heavy-bottom pot works best for this dish. It helps cook the pasta evenly and prevents burning. A Dutch oven is also a great choice. - Essential kitchen tools You need a sharp knife for cutting. A wooden spoon is great for stirring. A measuring cup will help with the broth. Don’t forget a good cutting board for prep! Pro Tips Use High-Quality Kielbasa: Opt for a flavorful kielbasa to enhance the dish’s overall taste. Look for smoked or garlic-infused varieties for an extra punch. Al Dente Pasta: To prevent mushy pasta, cook it until al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly after being mixed with the other ingredients. Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporating fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end of cooking brightens the flavors and adds a fresh touch to the dish. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Broccoli, asparagus, or peas can be great alternatives! {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta for a fun twist. Try using farfalle or fusilli. Each shape holds sauce differently, making each bite unique. If you want a gluten-free option, choose rice or corn pasta. They cook well and taste great. For meat, kielbasa is tasty, but you can use turkey sausage or chicken. Both add a lighter flavor. If you like a smokier taste, use andouille sausage. It brings a spicy kick that many love. Adding veggies boosts flavor and nutrition. You can use broccoli, carrots, or mushrooms. Mix and match to find your favorite combo. You can also toss in frozen peas or corn for extra color and taste. If you want to make this dish vegetarian, skip the kielbasa. Use canned beans like chickpeas or black beans for protein. They add texture and heartiness. You can also use a meat substitute like tofu or tempeh. For a vegan option, simply leave out the cheese. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan. It gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also add more herbs for depth. Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. For a milder dish, skip the flakes. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of black pepper for a little kick. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through. Yes, you can freeze One Pot Kielbasa Pasta. Allow it to cool completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some space for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. For the best texture, reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a little broth or water as needed. This way, it stays creamy and delicious. How long does One Pot Kielbasa Pasta last in the fridge? One Pot Kielbasa Pasta lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Can I use gluten-free pasta? Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta. Just adjust the cooking time. Keep an eye on it to avoid mushiness. What sides go well with this dish? Great sides include a simple salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. They add freshness and balance. Is it possible to make this in a slow cooker? Yes, you can make it in a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients and cook on low for about 4 hours. Can I omit the cheese? Yes, you can skip the cheese. The dish will still be tasty and creamy from the broth. Which other proteins can I use? You can use chicken, shrimp, or tofu as alternatives. Each adds a new flavor twist. How can I add more flavor? Add more spices like paprika or herbs like thyme. You can also use vegetable broth for extra depth. You’ve learned how to make One Pot Kielbasa Pasta using simple steps and fresh ingredients. We covered everything from cooking techniques to storage tips. With these ideas, you can enjoy a tasty dish any night. Feel free to customize it to fit your taste. Remember, cooking should be fun and creative. Now, gather your ingredients and get started! Enjoy your meal and share it with family and friends.

One Pot Kielbasa Pasta

A delicious and easy one-pot pasta dish featuring kielbasa, vegetables, and a flavorful broth.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 12 oz kielbasa, sliced into rounds
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup spinach
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the sliced kielbasa to the pot and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced red bell pepper. Continue to sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
  • Add the diced zucchini to the pot, stirring well to combine.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Stir in the penne pasta, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the broth.
  • Cover the pot and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the cherry tomatoes and spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
  • Remove from heat, and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on your preference.
Keyword easy dinner, kielbasa, one pot, pasta