Craving a delicious and satisfying dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This Pasta with Polish Sausage recipe is a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish, bursting with the savory richness of Polish sausage and the comforting warmth of pasta. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend gathering, this easy recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. This healthy meal is also surprisingly adaptable, so feel free to experiment with different vegetables and spices to make it your own. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Polish sausage (kielbasa), sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
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Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced Polish sausage and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
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Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
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Combine and Serve: Add the cooked Polish sausage back to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Garnish and Enjoy: Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley (if using).
Tips for the Best Pasta with Polish Sausage:
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality Polish sausage.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when browning the sausage. Work in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- If you like a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- A splash of white wine or chicken broth can add depth of flavor to the sauce.
Variations:
- Creamy Polish Sausage Pasta: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end of cooking for a creamy, decadent twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the Polish sausage with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or firm tofu.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
This quick dinner idea is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious and easy meal on the table fast. Enjoy this simple, yet satisfying, pasta dish! Let us know in the comments how your Polish sausage pasta turned out!