One-Pot Cabbage & Sausage Pasta

You likely have noodles in the cabinet, and the remaining ingredients keep well for days in the fridge or freezer, so keep this recipe in your back pocket for busy days when there's little or no time to shop. And while the cabbage gives this recipe its bulk and earthy broth, it's the sausage you should spend your money on. Considering even the most expensive sausages are more affordable than most cuts of meat, this recipe ends up being quite the steal.

METHOD :

Serves 6 to 8

• 8 ounces dried wide egg noodles
• 1 cup frozen green peas
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 12 ounces fully cooked smoked sausage, such as kielbasa, cut into 1/2-inch rounds
• 1 large yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
• 1 medium red bell pepper, cored and thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
• Kosher salt
• 1 medium cabbage (about 2 pounds), cored, quartered, and shredded
• Freshly ground black pepper

Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Stir in the noodles and cook for 2 minutes less than the minimum time stated on the package. Stir in the peas and cook until al dente, about 2 minutes more. Drain well, then return the noodles and peas to the warm pot and stir in 1 tablespoon of the butter. Cover to keep warm off the heat.

Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium heat in a large pot. Add the sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage to a medium bowl; set aside.

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the now-empty pot. When melted, stir in the onion, bell pepper, and a big pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the cabbage in batches, stirring until each batch is starting to wilt before adding more. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are crisp-tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in the drained noodles and peas and reserved sausage. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

Pre-shredded cabbage: You can use pre-shredded cabbage; you will need 12 cups shredded.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.