Sausage pasta is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. With tender penne, smoky kielbasa sausage, colorful bell peppers, and a creamy sauce, it’s a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for family or need a quick weeknight option, this recipe delivers comfort and bold flavor in every bite.
Why We Love This Sausage Pasta Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore sausage pasta. First and foremost, it strikes a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The savory, slightly smoky essence of kielbasa intertwines beautifully with the creaminess of the sauce, while the peppers add a delightful crunch and freshness. Furthermore, thanks to its simple yet delectable ingredients, this recipe easily becomes a weeknight staple or an inviting dish for weekend gatherings. You’ll love its versatility; it’s a canvas for your culinary creativity and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You might find yourself making it again and again, and with just one bite, you’ll completely understand why!
Ingredients for Sausage Pasta
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 14 oz Kielbasa sausage (sliced)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 1 medium red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 medium green bell pepper (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 15 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (add more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- 16 oz Penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Sausage Pasta Directions
Let’s dive into the delightful process of making sausage pasta. You’re going to love how easy it is to bring this dish to life.
Begin by heating a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the avocado oil, allowing it to warm up, ensuring a great base for sautéing. Introduce the sliced kielbasa sausage into the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage becomes lightly browned. This process infuses the oil with a smoky flavor that will kickstart the richness of your dish.
Next, toss in the diced onions and bell peppers. As they sizzle in the pot, you’ll want to sauté them for about 2-3 minutes. You’re looking for them to start softening up, enhancing their sweetness and bringing a vibrant contrast to the sausage.
Once everything is looking colorful and inviting, it’s time to add the minced garlic. Sauté this mixture for just about a minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant and has melded with the other ingredients. This step is crucial; garlic is a flavor bomb that brings everything together.
Now comes the fun part. Pour in the chicken broth and add the can of diced tomatoes. Let these ingredients mingle in the pot, then introduce the heavy cream, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well, making sure the flavors combine wonderfully.
Add the uncooked penne pasta to the pot. Ensure that it gets submerged in the liquid mixture. This is key – keeping the pasta mostly submerged allows it to absorb all the rich flavors as it cooks. If the mixture seems too thick, don’t hesitate to add up to 1/2 cup of broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for about 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot, ensuring even cooking. As the pasta cooks, it will soften and soak up the luscious concoction, transforming into something magical.
After your timer goes off, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. This is when it all comes together, as the cheese melts, creating a creamy and delectable finish to your pasta dish. If you like, garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve this delicious sausage pasta immediately, and watch as smiles light up around the table!
How to Serve Sausage Pasta
Serving sausage pasta can be as creative and fun as making it. Once you’ve plated it up, the first thing to consider is your choice of garnish. Sprinkling freshly chopped parsley not only adds a vibrant green hue, but also enhances the dish’s overall freshness.
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a side salad. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the sausage pasta perfectly, making each bite refreshing. Additionally, you may want to serve it with a slice of crusty bread. It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce on your plate.
This dish also stands tall on its own, but for those who love a bit of crunch, a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs on top can add a delightful texture. Just ensure it’s served warm to enjoy the meal at its best.
Expert Tips for Sausage Pasta
Creating the perfect sausage pasta can be as much about the details as it is about the recipe. Here are some expert tips to elevate your dish:
- Choose Quality Sausage: The kielbasa you choose can make a huge difference. Opt for high-quality sausage for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Skip the Garlic: It may be tempting to skip or reduce garlic, but we say don’t! It adds depth and aroma that enhances the overall dish.
- Manage the Spice: If you’re unsure about the heat levels, start with less cayenne. You can always add more towards the end if you want to kick it up a notch!
- Stir Frequently: Throughout the cooking process, gentle stirring ensures that the pasta cooks evenly and does not stick together.
- Top It Off: Consider adding a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top when serving for an added touch of elegance.
How to Store Sausage Pasta
After enjoying your delicious sausage pasta, chances are you may have some leftovers. Storing it properly will ensure that you can savor this dish again in the future.
Allow the sausage pasta to cool at room temperature before moving it to an airtight container. It’s best to store it in individual servings if you plan on reheating it throughout the week. This helps in avoiding repeated heating and cooling, which can change the texture.
Your sausage pasta will last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to extend its life further, consider freezing it. Just be sure to allow it to cool completely, then transfer portions into freezer-safe containers. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Variations of Sausage Pasta
While the standard sausage pasta recipe is absolutely delightful on its own, experimenting with variations can be a fun way to keep things exciting in your kitchen. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap the kielbasa for your favorite plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms. Additionally, incorporate more vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach, to create a delicious vegetarian version.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy hotter dishes, consider adding chopped jalapeños or using spicy Italian sausage instead of kielbasa for a fiery flair.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: Mix in a blend of different cheeses. Cream cheese or feta can add new dimensions of flavor, while differing textures from mozzarella or gouda can create interesting layers.
- Different Pastas: Feel free to swap out the penne for a different shape! Fusilli, rigatoni, or even whole grain pasta could give your dish a fresh perspective.
- Creamy Variations: Instead of heavy cream, you can substitute half-and-half or use a dairy-free cream to make it a bit lighter or appropriate for various dietary needs.
FAQs About Sausage Pasta
What other sausages can I use for sausage pasta?
While kielbasa is delicious in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other types of sausage that suit your taste, such as chicken or turkey sausage.
Can I make sausage pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sausage pasta ahead of time, store it in an airtight container, and either refrigerate or freeze it for later enjoyment.
How can I make sausage pasta healthier?
Consider using whole grain or vegetable-based pasta, reducing the amount of heavy cream or opting for lighter alternatives. Adding various vegetables boosts the nutrients while keeping it flavorful.
What should I serve with sausage pasta?
Pairing it with a fresh salad or crusty bread complements the meal perfectly. Light appetizers or a variety of sides could also round out your dining experience.
How do I reheat leftover sausage pasta?
When reheating, add a dash of extra liquid (like broth or water) to prevent drying out. You can use a stovetop or microwave method to warm it through.
Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil For sautéing
- 14 oz Kielbasa sausage (sliced) Can use other sausages if desired
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 1 medium red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 medium green bell pepper (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced) Don't skip this for flavor
For the Sauce
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
- 15 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute lighter cream for a healthier option
- 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt Add more to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust to taste
For the Pasta
- 16 oz Penne pasta (uncooked) Substitutions welcome
- 1.5 cups Monterey Jack cheese (shredded) Can use a blend of cheeses for variation
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional) Adds freshness
Instructions
Cooking the Base
- Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the avocado oil.
- Introduce the sliced kielbasa sausage, cooking until lightly browned.
- Add diced onions and bell peppers; sauté for 2-3 minutes until they soften.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Creating the Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Mix well.
- Add heavy cream, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir everything to combine.
Cooking the Pasta
- Add uncooked penne pasta to the pot, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid.
- Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Finishing Touches
- Once cooked, remove from heat and stir in shredded Monterey Jack cheese until melted.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.