Are you craving a mouthwatering meal that's ready in just 30 minutes and packed with incredible flavor? Look no further! This sensational Kielbasa with Pasta, Chickpeas, and Spinach recipe is about to become your new weeknight dinner obsession. Imagine tender, smoky kielbasa, perfectly cooked pasta, protein-rich chickpeas, and vibrant spinach all dancing together in one delicious skillet - it's a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and impress even the pickiest eaters.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Polish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb kielbasa, sliced
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of sliced kielbasa, 8 oz of pasta (your choice, such as penne or rotini), 1 can of chickpeas (drained), 2 cups of fresh spinach, 2 tbsp of olive oil, 1 tsp of minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt and the 8 oz of pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced kielbasa to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the kielbasa is browned and heated through.
- Next, add 1 tsp of minced garlic to the skillet with the kielbasa. Stir well and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- After the garlic is fragrant, add the drained chickpeas to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the chickpeas to warm through and absorb some of the flavors from the kielbasa and garlic.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the kielbasa and chickpeas.
- Stir in the 2 cups of fresh spinach, mixing well. The heat from the pasta and skillet will wilt the spinach quickly. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and the flavors meld.
- Once done, remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy your Kielbasa with Pasta, Chickpeas, and Spinach hot, garnished with additional pepper or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Tips
- Choose Your Kielbasa Wisely: Opt for high-quality smoked kielbasa for maximum flavor. Polish or traditional varieties work best.
- Pasta Water is Liquid Gold: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. Its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients bind together.
- Don't Overcook the Spinach: Add spinach last and remove from heat quickly to maintain its bright color and nutrients. It will wilt beautifully from the residual heat.
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to swap spinach with kale or add red pepper flakes for extra kick. This recipe loves improvisation!
- Achieve Perfect Browning: When cooking kielbasa, let it sit undisturbed for a minute or two to develop those delicious caramelized edges.
- Make It Ahead: This dish reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day leftovers.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 60mg
