Pasta And Sausage
A hearty pasta dish with savory sausage, tender vegetables, and creamy mushroom sauce, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with rich flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. kielbasa or smoked sausage ⓘ
- 16 oz. large shells or elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable cooking oil ⓘ
- 6 zucchini squash ⓘ
- 1 green bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 2 packages frozen broccoli ⓘ
- Salt and pepper ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup ⓘ
- 4 oz. milk ⓘ
- Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare macaroni according to package directions and drain.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Dice onions and cook for about 2 minutes until tender.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add diced sausage and cook for about 7 minutes until hot and browned.
- Remove sausage and vegetables from skillet and keep warm.
- Add chopped zucchini and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until tender.
- Place broccoli in a colander and run under hot water until partially thawed, then drain.
- Add broccoli to the skillet and cook until tender.
- Return sausage to the skillet.
- Mix cream of mushroom or celery soup with half a can of milk, then pour over ingredients in the skillet and stir.
- Heat thoroughly until combined and hot.
- Drain cooked macaroni and add to the skillet, mixing well.
- Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using turkey sausage or a meat alternative in place of kielbasa. You can also add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition. If you're short on time, frozen vegetables can be a quick substitute for fresh ones. Make sure to adjust the seasoning as needed when using canned soups.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. For an extra touch, serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil. If you're in the mood for dessert, consider following up with Great Grandmother'S Cookies for a delightful finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta And Sausage contains roughly 1003 calories, with 22g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (212% of the Daily Value), protein (44% of the Daily Value), and iron (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1637mg per serving (71% 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?
Absolutely! While large shells or elbow macaroni are traditional, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of using water to cook the pasta. You can also add more vegetables, like mushrooms or spinach, to keep it hearty and flavorful.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup on hand, you can use cream of celery soup as a substitute. Alternatively, you can make a homemade white sauce with butter, flour, and milk for a fresher option without the preservatives.
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).