Looking for a delicious kielbasa recipe that’s both quick and budget-friendly?
One of my favorites is this pepper and kielbasa pasta dish, which combines smoked sausage and sweet peppers in an easy meal.
Imagine coming home after a long day and having a hearty, flavorful meal ready in no time! Skillet recipes like this kielbasa dish make it real.
This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something tasty but don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen.
Not only is it incredibly fast to make, but it’s also incredibly affordable. You can whip up this entire dish for under $10, making it a fantastic option for families on a budget.
Key Takeaways
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Main Ingredients: Kielbasa, sweet peppers, beef broth, elbow pasta, and more
- Servings: 4
- Extras: Add potatoes to the pan for a filling meat and potatoes dish or serve with mashed potatoes instead of pasta.
- Tip: Let the kielbasa sit and cook for a few minutes on each side to get a nice crust and caramelization- it adds a lot of flavor to the meat!
Easy 20-Minute Pepper and Kielbasa Pasta
Making this 20-minute kielbasa and pepper pasta dish from scratch is one of my favorite recipes for a fast, flavorful dinner.
I start by boiling a pot of salted water and cooking my pasta until it’s perfectly al dente (about 12 minutes). While the pasta is bubbling away, I cut up the sweet peppers into thin strips.
I heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
I sauté the peppers until they’re soft, which usually takes 5-7 minutes. Once the kielbasa is added, they’ll cook for a bit more to get more caramelized.
Sometimes, if I have a green bell pepper on hand, I throw that in for a bit of color variation, but I prefer the sweet peppers with kielbasa recipes.
Next, I slice the Hillshire Farms Turkey Kielbasa into even pieces. I add the kielbasa to the skillet with the peppers and let it cook until it’s browned and heated through, which takes about 3-5 minutes.
The key here is to let the kielbasa sit undisturbed for a minute or two to get that nice, caramelized exterior on each side that adds so much flavor to the dish.
Once the kielbasa is browned, I pour in the beef broth and season it with a pinch of pepper.
You can add other seasonings, like garlic powder or minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, onion powder, or even hot sauce, for a kick if you like.
I bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This simmering process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
As the broth reduces slightly, I drain the cooked pasta and transfer it to a large serving bowl. I then pour the kielbasa and pepper mixture over the pasta, making sure to get all that delicious broth into the bowl.
I gently toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the flavorful sauce.
To finish, I chop up some fresh parsley and sprinkle it generously over the top with Parmesan cheese for some creaminess.
The final result is a vibrant, satisfying meal that’s ready in no time and perfect for a busy weeknight.
I saw a cool recipe that was a kielbasa and sheet pan meal, should I try to recreate that one next? Let me know below if you’re a fan of sheet pan meals!
20 Minute Pepper and Kielbasa Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 box Elbow Pasta or Farfalle
- 1 package Hillshire Farms Turkey Kielbasa 12 or 13 oz
- 1 Red Pepper sliced
- 1 Yellow Pepper sliced
- 1/2 cup beef broth or beef bouillion and water
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- ¼ cup parsley
- 1-2 tablespoon olive oil
- Parmesan cheese optional topping
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to box directions, cooking about 12 minutes or so to get al dente.
- While pasta is cooking, sauté peppers in oil until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add kielbasa and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add broth and pepper and bring to a boil.
- When your pasta is cooked, strain it and add it to a large bowl- you want to leave plenty of room to mix.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, and then place over cooked pasta.
- Mix the kielbasa, peppers, and pasta in the sauce to get everything evenly coated and ready to serve.
- Top with parsley and parmesan cheese.
Notes
Nutrition
New Ways To Serve Kielbasa & Peppers
One of the great things about this kielbasa and peppers recipe is its versatility. While serving it over pasta is a classic choice, there are several other delicious ways to enjoy this dish that introduce new tastes and textures.
For a comforting and hearty alternative, try serving the sautéed kielbasa and peppers over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
The smooth, buttery texture of the mashed potatoes complements the savory kielbasa and the sweetness of the sautéed peppers beautifully.
Another fantastic option is to pair the kielbasa and peppers with roasted potatoes. Roasted potatoes add a delightful crispiness that contrasts wonderfully with the tender kielbasa and soft peppers.
To make roasted potatoes, cut them into bite-sized pieces, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven at 425°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden and crispy, then serve them up with the kielbasa and peppers.
If you want to take it a step further, you can cook it all together to make it a complete kielbasa, peppers, and potatoes recipe.
Start by cutting the potatoes into small cubes and adding them to the skillet after the peppers have softened.
Cook the potatoes until they start to brown, then add the kielbasa and continue with the recipe as usual.
Add In Other Vegetables
Kielbasa is a versatile sausage that pairs well with a variety of vegetables, each adding its own unique flavor and texture to the dish.
I added sweet peppers, and sometimes add in bell peppers if I have some on hand, but those aren’t the only options that would go well with this recipe.
Here are some vegetables that complement kielbasa beautifully:
- Yellow Onion (or sweet onion): Sautéed onions bring out a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory flavor of kielbasa. Caramelizing them adds even more depth to the dish.
- Green Cabbage: Whether sautéed, roasted, or added to a soup or stew, green cabbage is a classic companion to kielbasa. Its mild flavor and slight crunch give a nice balance to sausage recipes.
- Sauerkraut: This fermented cabbage dish is a traditional pairing with kielbasa. Its tangy, sour flavor contrasts nicely with the sausage’s savory taste.
- Green Beans: Sautéed or steamed green beans add a fresh, crisp element to a kielbasa dish. For extra flavor, they can be cooked with garlic and a bit of butter.
- Zucchini: Sliced zucchini sautéed with kielbasa is a great way to add a light, tender vegetable to the dish. It absorbs the flavors of the sausage beautifully.
- Carrots: Whether roasted or added to a stew, carrots provide a sweet and earthy flavor that complements kielbasa well. Their natural sweetness balances the sausage’s saltiness.
- Potatoes: Potatoes in any form—roasted, mashed, or added to a stew—are a hearty and comforting pairing with kielbasa. They absorb the sausage’s flavors and add a satisfying texture.
- Broccoli: Lightly steamed or roasted broccoli adds a bit of crunch and a fresh, slightly bitter taste that works well with the savory notes of kielbasa.
- Spinach: Wilted spinach or other leafy greens add a nutrient-rich component to kielbasa dishes. The slight bitterness of spinach provides a nice contrast to the sausage’s richness.
- Sweet Potatoes: If you like sweet and savory, sauteed sweet potatoes would be a great complement to savory sausage.
- Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts develop a deliciously nutty and slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the smoky taste of kielbasa.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy, umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of a kielbasa dish. They work well in stews, casseroles, or simply sautéed with the sausage.
By incorporating these vegetables, you can create a variety of delicious and nutritious kielbasa dishes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Other Easy Recipes (Low Effort!)
And if you like this one, you might be interested in 40 other slow cooker dump recipes that are AMAZING!
FAQs
What vegetables go well with kielbasa?
Kielbasa is a Polish sausage that pairs well with a variety of vegetables, including:
- Sauerkraut: Tangy and traditional, it pairs well with kielbasa.
- Potatoes: Hearty and comforting in any form.
- Onions: Sweet when sautéed, great for caramelizing.
- Broccoli: Crunchy and slightly bitter, steamed or roasted.
- Cabbage: Mild and crunchy, perfect for sautéing or in stews.
- Brussels Sprouts: Nutty and slightly sweet, roasted.
- Zucchini: Tender and absorbs sausage flavors.
- Carrots: Sweet and earthy, excellent roasted or in stews.
These vegetables enhance the flavor and texture of kielbasa dishes.
What is the best way to cook kielbasa?
The best way to cook kielbasa depends on your preference for texture and flavor.
I love sauteing them to get the caramelized texture that goes well with peppers—because I’m a big fan of sausage and peppers of any kind!
Here are three popular methods to cook kielbasa:
- Grilling:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Place kielbasa on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until charred and heated through.
- Grilling adds a smoky flavor and crispy exterior.
- Sautéing:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil.
- Slice the kielbasa and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and heated through.
- Sautéing gives a nice caramelized flavor and crispy edges.
- Boiling:
- Place kielbasa in a pot of water or beef or chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Boiling keeps the sausage moist and is ideal for adding to soups and stews.
Final Thoughts
In just 20 minutes, you can have a delicious, hearty meal on the table with this Easy Pepper and Kielbasa Pasta Recipe.
Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort, this dish is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
The combination of savory kielbasa, sweet bell peppers, and your choice of pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted potatoes offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love.
With its budget-friendly ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can enjoy a home-cooked meal without the stress and hassle.
This recipe is not only quick and easy but also versatile. To keep things exciting, you can mix and match it with other vegetables or serve it in different ways.
Give this Easy Pepper and Kielbasa Recipe a try and discover how effortless and satisfying dinner can be. Happy cooking!
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How much pasta did you use?
I am guessing 2 cups of cooked pasta. I am making it now and one does not look to be enough.
So definitely 2 cups
This was absolutely DELICIOUS!!!
This is one of my favorite recipes ever!!
I found out putting potatoes in with it is amazing!!
All you have to do is cut up your desired amount of potatoes and cook them with the peppers.