Sausage and Peppers Pasta One Pot

This Sausage and Peppers Pasta recipe comes together quick and easy in one pot with a delicious mix of Kielbasa, red bell pepper, yellow onion, tomatoes, Parmesan cheese and rotini pasta.

If you are looking for more easy to make recipes, then you will have to check out my: One Pot Spicy Southern Sausage and Rice, Couscous Paella with Sausage and Chicken, and my Greek Chicken Pasta in 20 Minutes.

I am SUCH a sucker for one pot meals.

I mean, how can you not love a Kielbasa pasta recipe which produce only ONE dirty pan? Even better, you can make this whole Kielbasa with pasta and peppers recipe using only one knife and one cutting board, too. HIGH FIVE!

This is one-pot Kielbasa and pasta skillet is super amazing because every single thing cooks in the same pan.

Even the pasta! The starch from the noodles reduce down with the liquid to make a surprisingly thick and creamy sauce. It’s so easy, it just seems ridiculous.

How to Make Sausage and Peppers Pasta

First, gather all the ingredients. For the exact amounts, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

Heat a large skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the olive oil and swirl to coat the pan.

Add the kielbasa, red pepper, and onion and sauté until browned. 

Add garlic and tomatoes and sauté 30 seconds.

Add the chicken broth, milk, pasta, cayenne pepper (if using), and black pepper. Stir well and bring to a boil.

Cover, reduce to low, and simmer 12-15 minutes or until pasta is al dente. Remove cover and turn off heat.

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.

Serve hot.

Put this recipe on your dinner list for this week and enjoy this easy and delicious Kielbasa and peppers pasta dinner.

Variations

Here are a few ways you can make different versions of this recipe:

Protein Variations:

Instead of Kielbasa, try another type of sausage like Italian sausage, turkey sausage, chicken sausage, pork sausage, chorizo, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.

You could also use chicken, shrimp, or tofu as alternatives to the sausage.

Vegetable Variations:

In addition to or instead of the red bell pepper and onions, you can include other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli. Adding more veggies is a great way to increase the nutritional value of the dish.

If you like a little heat, consider adding some diced jalapenos or other hot peppers.

Pasta Variations:

You could use a different type of pasta like penne pasta, fusilli pasta, or farfalle pasta. Just be aware that different types of pasta may have slightly different cooking times.

For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free pasta.

If you’re looking to make the dish a bit lighter, you could use a whole grain pasta.

Cheese Variations:

If you’d like to try a different cheese, consider mozzarella, Asiago, or Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan.

For a creamy variation, consider stirring in some ricotta or cream cheese at the end.

Spice Variations:

Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference. If you like it spicy, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add some red pepper flakes. For a different flavor profile, consider adding some Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or herbs like fresh basil or oregano.

Dietary Variations

Gluten-Free:

To make this Sausage and Peppers Pasta dish gluten-free, you need to make the following adjustments:

Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta. These can be made from a variety of ingredients, like rice, corn, quinoa, or even lentils. Be aware that cooking times may vary, so follow the instructions on the package for the best results.

Sausage: Ensure that the Kielbasa or any other sausage you use is gluten-free. While many sausages are, some brands may use fillers or seasonings that contain gluten, so it’s always best to check the label.

Broth: Use gluten-free chicken broth. Most brands are, but always check the label to be sure.

Cheese: Parmesan cheese is naturally gluten-free, but if you buy pre-grated cheese, make sure it doesn’t contain any anti-caking agents that might contain gluten.

Dairy-Free:

To make this Sausage and Peppers Pasta dish dairy-free, you need to replace the milk and Parmesan cheese, which are the only dairy products in this recipe. Here are the adjustments you can make:

Milk: Instead of whole milk, you can use an unsweetened non-dairy milk like almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk. Make sure it’s unsweetened to avoid changing the flavor of the dish.

Cheese: Replace the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative. There are many varieties available on the market, so choose one that you like the flavor of. Alternatively, you can use nutritional yeast, which has a cheesy flavor and is often used as a cheese substitute in vegan and dairy-free cooking.

Please note that the flavor and texture of the dish may be slightly different with these substitutions, but it should still be delicious!

Vegetarian:

To make this Sausage and Peppers Pasta vegetarian, you will need to substitute the Kielbasa sausage and chicken broth, as these are the only non-vegetarian ingredients in the recipe. Here’s how you can adjust the recipe:

Sausage: Instead of Kielbasa, you can use a plant-based sausage alternative. There are a variety of vegetarian and vegan sausages available in most supermarkets these days. You can also use a different vegetarian protein source like tofu or tempeh.

Broth: Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. This will give you a similar depth of flavor without using any animal products.

Vegan:

To make this Sausage and Peppers Pasta vegan, you’ll need to substitute a few ingredients: the Kielbasa sausage, the chicken broth, the whole milk, and the Parmesan cheese. Here are some adjustments you can make:

Sausage: Use a vegan sausage alternative. There are plenty of brands that offer flavorful plant-based sausages. You could also use another source of vegan protein such as tofu or tempeh.

Broth: Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.

Milk: Use plant-based milk, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Make sure it’s unsweetened to avoid changing the flavor of the dish.

Cheese: Replace the Parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast is another option that lends a cheesy flavor to dishes and is commonly used in vegan recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storing Leftovers

In the Refrigerator

Once the dish has cooled down to room temperature, you can store the leftovers in the refrigerator. It’s best to use an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can keep the leftovers refrigerated for about 3 to 4 days.

Freezing Leftovers

If you’d like to freeze leftovers for longer storage, you can do so. Once again, allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before transferring to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Try to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, it should maintain the best quality for about 1 to 2 months.

Thawing Frozen Leftovers

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen leftovers, it’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. This slow, safe thawing method helps maintain the quality of the pasta and prevent it from becoming mushy.

Reheating Leftovers

Stovetop (Recommended): Add the pasta to a pan over medium heat. You might want to add a splash of water or chicken broth to help loosen the pasta and prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until the pasta is heated through.

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Transfer the pasta to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through.

Microwave: This is the quickest method for reheating. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat on high for about 2 minutes, then stir the pasta and check the temperature. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until the pasta is heated through.

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