Description
A hearty and comforting one-pot meal combining savory kielbasa sausage, tender pasta, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all cooked together in a flavorful broth. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Pasta
- 1 lb (450g) kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or rotini)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Cheese
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Others
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Kielbasa: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Browning the sausage first develops deep flavor for the dish.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the kielbasa. Sauté together until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, approximately 3 minutes.
- Add Broth and Bring to Boil: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. This will form the cooking liquid for the pasta.
- Cook Pasta and Tomatoes: Stir in the pasta and halved cherry tomatoes. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let simmer until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Melt Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, if using, until melted and creamy throughout the dish.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve the pasta hot for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use penne or rotini pasta for best texture; smaller shapes might get mushy.
- The mozzarella cheese is optional but adds a creamy, melty texture.
- For a spicier twist, try using smoked kielbasa or adding crushed red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
