Sauerkraut Pasta with Smoked Sausage

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting pasta dish with tender smoked sausage, tangy sauerkraut, and garlic, simmered to create a rich, flavorful sauce. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, sauerkraut, smoked sausage for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup sliced smoked sausage and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly browned, then add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup drained sauerkraut and 1/4 tsp dried thyme, cooking for 2 minutes until heated through.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sauerkraut Pasta with Smoked Sausage take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sauerkraut Pasta with Smoked Sausage?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sauerkraut Pasta with Smoked Sausage?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sauerkraut Pasta with Smoked Sausage for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Sauerkraut Pasta with Smoked Sausage?

American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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