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Turkey Kielbasa Pasta with Broccoli & Peppers

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Italian Dressing
  • 1 cup avocado oil
  • 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 tbs white wine vinegar
  • 1 tbs honey
  • 3/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 3/4 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
Ingredients for Pasta
  • 1 16oz box penne pasta
  • 2 turkey polska kielbasa sausages
  • 1 bell pepper, diced - your choice of color
  • 1 cup broccoli florets, cut into bite size pieces
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 1/2 cup Italian dressing

Equipment

  • large pasta pot
  • colander
  • large skillet
  • Cutting Board
  • knife
  • glass jar with lid

Method
 

Make the Dressing:
  1. Add all ingredients to a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake very well until combined.
  2. Let the dressing sit for at least 30 minutes before using so the dried herbs soften and the flavors blend. Shake again before adding it to your pasta.
  3. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  4. For the Pasta
Cook the pasta:
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to the package directions.
Prepare the kielbasa:
  1. While the pasta cooks, cut each turkey kielbasa sausage in half lengthwise and then slice crosswise into half-moon pieces.
Brown the kielbasa:
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the kielbasa and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned around the edges.
Add the peppers and dressing:
  1. Add the diced red bell pepper and homemade Italian dressing to the skillet. Reduce the heat slightly and allow everything to gently simmer together while the pasta finishes cooking.
Cook the broccoli with the pasta:
  1. During the last 4 minutes of the pasta cooking time, add the broccoli florets directly to the pasta water.
Drain the pasta and broccoli:
  1. Drain the pasta and broccoli well. Add back into the pot along with the kielbasa, peppers, and dressing from the skillet.
Add the tomatoes
  1. Add the halved grape tomatoes and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
Serve:
  1. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Cutting the kielbasa in half lengthwise before slicing gives you more surface area to brown, which adds a lot of flavor.
Don’t add the tomatoes until the very end. They’ll warm slightly from the pasta without becoming soft or breaking down.