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One-Pot Creamy Kielbasa Pasta for Quick Weeknight Dinners

Close-up of creamy kielbasa pasta featuring penne, sliced smoked sausage, and wilted spinach, topped with grated cheese.
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Create a satisfying, flavorful meal with minimal cleanup using this simple one-pot recipe featuring smoky kielbasa sausage and a rich, creamy sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced into half-moons
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 12 ounces penne pasta (or preferred short pasta shape)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar-jack cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pot.
  2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth. Add the uncooked pasta, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir everything together.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. The liquid should mostly be absorbed and the pasta tender.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and the cooked kielbasa. Continue to cook, uncovered, for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
  7. Fold in the fresh spinach until it wilts into the sauce. Taste and add salt if needed. Serve immediately for a delicious, budget friendly pasta dinner.

Notes

  • For a Cajun kielbasa pasta variation, add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning along with the Italian seasoning.
  • You can substitute the cheddar-jack cheese with Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
  • This recipe works well with smoked sausage links other than traditional kielbasa.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/one-pot-creamy-kielbasa-pasta/