International Twist
A flavorful, international-inspired pasta dish featuring sausage, peppers, beans, and cheese, ideal for a hearty, family-friendly meal with bold flavors and crunchy topping.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. rotelle pasta
- 1 lb. low-fat, skinless kielbasa sausage ⓘ
- 1 small green bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 small red bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 Vidalia onion ⓘ
- 1 (24 oz.) jar mild salsa ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can no salt tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup sliced ripe olives ⓘ
- 1 tsp. taco seasoning mix ⓘ
- 4 oz. shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 4 oz. shredded low-fat Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 3 cups crushed cheese flavored tortilla chips ⓘ
- low-fat sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook rotelle pasta in boiling water according to package directions, then drain.
- Meanwhile, sauté sliced kielbasa, chopped green and red bell peppers, and chopped onion in a large nonstick skillet until vegetables are tender and sausage is browned.
- Add mild salsa, drained kidney beans, no salt tomato sauce, sliced olives, and taco seasoning to the skillet.
- Cook the mixture until vegetables are softened, about 7 minutes.
- Grease a 10-inch glass pie pan with nonstick spray.
- Pour the cooked pasta into the prepared pie pan.
- Top with half of the shredded low-fat Cheddar and Mozzarella cheeses.
- Sprinkle crushed cheese-flavored tortilla chips over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 15 minutes.
- Serve with low-fat sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian twist, swap kielbasa for plant-based sausage or mushrooms. You can also use whole wheat rotelle pasta for added fiber. If you prefer a spicier dish, opt for a medium or hot salsa. Make sure not to overcook the vegetables; they should be tender but still have some crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a dollop of low-fat sour cream on top for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or your favorite Mexican recipes like Nacho Platter for a full meal experience. Consider adding guacamole or fresh avocado slices for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. This helps retain moisture and prevents the pasta from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of International Twist contains roughly 1260 calories, with 40g protein, 151g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (122% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (110% of the Daily Value), and protein (80% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute rotelle pasta with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the specific pasta you choose.
Is this dish freezable?
Yes, this dish can be frozen. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake until heated through.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, you can use spicy salsa or incorporate diced jalapeños into the mixture. Additionally, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce just before serving for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).