Description
An easy and comforting one pot meal featuring smoky kielbasa and your choice of pasta, all cooked together for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb smoked kielbasa, sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 1.5 cups diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 12–16 oz pasta of your choice
- 3–4 cups chicken or vegetable broth or water
- 2–3 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh herbs (parsley, basil) for garnish (optional)
- Squeeze of lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the kielbasa into 1/4-inch rounds and measure out your pasta, onion, and minced garlic.
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add olive oil. Wait for it to shimmer.
- Add the sliced kielbasa in a single layer and let it brown undisturbed for 2–3 minutes, then stir to brown all sides.
- Push kielbasa to one side of the pot and add diced onion, cooking for 4–5 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30–45 seconds.
- Add optional veggies like bell pepper with the onion, then spread the pasta evenly over the kielbasa and onion.
- Pour in just enough broth or water to cover the pasta, about 3–4 cups.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to medium-low and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Simmer for 8–12 minutes until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in spinach until wilted and add cheese if using.
- Let rest for 2–3 minutes off heat before serving.
Notes
Avoid using too much liquid and watch cooking times to prevent mushy pasta. Feel free to customize with different proteins or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Kielbasa, Pasta, One Pot, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food