Sausage Pasta Stew
I rely on my slow cooker to prepare this chili-like specialty. It's packed with turkey sausage, pasta and vegetables. My gang gobbles it up without realizing they're eating healthy.
I rely on my slow cooker to prepare this chili-like specialty. It's packed with turkey sausage, pasta and vegetables. My gang gobbles it up without realizing they're eating healthy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 4 cups water
- 1/3 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans rinsed and drained
- 2 medium carrots sliced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) meatless spaghetti sauce
- 1 medium yellow summer squash, halved lengthwise and cut i
- 1 pound turkey italian sausage links casings removed
- 1 medium sweet red or green pepper diced
- 1-1/2 cups uncooked spiral pasta
- Carbohydrate 4.38811495044624 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.111431045678713 g
- Fiber 1.3035483734068 g
- Protein 1.09341936103956 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0198475280472388 g
- Serving Size 1 1 servings. (214g)
- Sodium 178.977382215771 mg
- Sugar 3.08456657703944 g
- Trans Fat 0.0340016706746549 g
- Calories 22 calories
Step-by-step
- In a nonstick skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain and place in a 5-qt. slow cooker.
- Stir in the water, spaghetti sauce, beans, summer squash, carrots, red pepper and onion.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-9 hours or until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the pasta, peas, sugar, salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on high for 15-20 minutes or until pasta is tender.
Sausage Pasta Stew: My Go-To Weeknight Meal
As a busy mom of three, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner every night feels like a never-ending quest. I'm always juggling work, school pick-ups, homework help, and everything else that comes with raising a family. Honestly, sometimes I just crave something simple, comforting, and most importantly, something that my kids will actually eat without complaint. That's where my Sausage Pasta Stew comes in. This recipe is my secret weapon for a quick, easy, and surprisingly healthy meal that everyone in my family devours. It's so versatile, too! I can easily adjust the vegetables depending on what’s fresh at the farmer's market or what we already have on hand.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the use of my trusty slow cooker. I throw everything into the slow cooker in the morning before heading off to work, and by the time we sit down for dinner, we have a warm, hearty, and satisfying meal waiting for us. No more frantic last-minute dinner prep or takeout nights! It's perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a meal that’s both delicious and effortless. And, let's be honest, the cleanup is a breeze, which is a huge plus after a long day.
What I love most about this recipe is that it sneaks in a generous amount of vegetables without anyone even noticing. My kids, who are notoriously picky eaters, gobble this stew up without a single complaint. They are getting their veggies without the usual drama. The subtle sweetness from the carrots and peppers balances perfectly with the savory flavor of the turkey sausage and the hearty pasta. It’s a complete meal in one pot; it's packed with protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins from the vegetables. It’s a one-pot wonder, minimizing dishwashing, which is always a bonus in my book.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Get creative with veggies: Feel free to substitute other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace the turkey sausage with vegetarian sausage or lentils for a meatless option.
- Add some greens: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.
- Customize your pasta: Use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta.
- Make it ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day, making it a great meal prep option. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
This Sausage Pasta Stew has become a staple in our household, a comforting and easy meal that everyone looks forward to. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights, a simple recipe that delivers big on flavor and nutrition. It's more than just a meal; it's a symbol of togetherness, a warm and hearty dish that brings our family together at the end of a busy day. And for a busy mom like me, that’s priceless.
So, give this recipe a try and let me know what you think! I’m always looking for new ways to make weeknight dinners easier and more enjoyable for my family.
