This easy kielbasa pasta recipe combines smoked sausage, penne, bell peppers,
and onions in a flavorful tomato sauce for an easy weeknight dinner.
I like this recipe because some nights I just don’t have time. My husband works long hours. My kid is now in school (and I’m in charge of afternoon pick-up; the neighbor drops the boys off in the morning). And I’m trying to keep a website and printables store running in the background. So an easy dinner is sometimes exactly what I’m looking for.
And this penne and kielbasa recipe fits the bill. It’s almost one pot (I need a second pot to cook the pasta…haha). It has pasta, sausage, and peppers. (So, yay, veggies!). Add some cheesy garlic bread and a salad on the side, and dinner is done. Bonus: even the 4-year old is happy to eat pasta and sausage.
If you’re looking for other easy weeknight dinners, check out Easy Pesto Ravioli with Chicken or Homemade Hamburger Helper. If you’re looking for something a bit healthier, but also fairly easy, I have a Shrimp & Vegetable Skillet you might like.
Kielbasa Pasta Ingredients & Notes
Pasta– I use penne but any sturdy pasta that will hold up to the sauce and sausage, such as bowties or medium shells, would work.
Polska kielbasa– We have Hillshire Farm Polska Kielbasa available here and that’s what I use in this recipe. If that’s not available, any kielbasa or even a general smoked sausage should work well.
Easy Kielbasa Pasta with Peppers
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1.5 lbs. polska kielbasa sliced into 1/4" to 1/2" rounds
- 1/4 C. white onion sliced
- 1 red pepper sliced
- 1 green pepper sliced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 3 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 C. chicken broth
- 15 oz. can crushed tomatoes
- 1/3 C. Parmesan cheese shredded
Instructions
- Mise en place. Make sure kielbasa, peppers, and onions are sliced and garlic minced.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the kielbasa and cook for 5-7 minutes, until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
- While cooking the kielbasa, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt. Cook penne according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain. Set aside.
- Add the onions and bell pepper to the skillet the kielbasa is cooking in. Continue to cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peppers and onions slightly softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Continue to cook and stir for 1 minute.
- Stir in tomato paste. Continue to cook and stir for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Turn heat down to low. Stir in cooked pasta. Add the parmesan cheese and stir well. If too thick, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water, stirring until at desired consistency. Serve immediately.
What Did You Think?
What did you think of this kielbasa pasta with peppers? Was there anything you loved? Anything you didn’t like? Let me know by rating the recipe (using the stars on the recipe card).
As I mentioned, my favorite feature is how easy this recipe is. Do you have an easy weeknight dinner? Comment and let me know…I’m always looking for new recipes.
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