Let’s talk comfort food, shall we? This Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory kielbasa, this dish is the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to. It’s easy to make, and trust me, it’s absolutely irresistible—cheese lovers will go wild for it!
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Why You’ll Love Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta
This recipe is everything you want in a meal: quick, flavorful, and totally satisfying. Here’s why it’ll become a regular on your dinner table:
Versatile: It’s the kind of dish you can whip up on a busy weeknight or serve at a casual gathering. It’s easy to scale up if you’re feeding a crowd too.
Budget-Friendly: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making this dish as easy on the wallet as it is on the taste buds. Kielbasa is affordable and adds so much flavor!
Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and only a few simple steps, this is perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Cheesy Goodness: Who doesn’t love cheese? This pasta is loaded with it, making each bite creamy, gooey, and full of cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this cheesy, comforting dish:
- Kielbasa: The star of the show. Its smoky, savory flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- Pasta: I recommend a short pasta like penne or rotini—something with plenty of nooks and crannies to catch all that cheesy sauce.
- Cheese: A combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella brings the ultimate cheese pull! You can even add some Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Heavy Cream: For that velvety, smooth sauce that wraps around every piece of pasta.
- Garlic & Onion: These aromatics bring so much depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Butter: To sauté the kielbasa and veggies, and to help make that rich, creamy sauce.
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and a dash of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the cheesy goodness of this pasta:
Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling the pasta according to package directions. You want it al dente so it holds up well when tossed with the sauce. Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside.
Sauté Kielbasa: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the kielbasa and cook it until it’s nice and browned, about 5-7 minutes. This will bring out the savory, smoky flavor.
Add Garlic & Onion: Once the kielbasa is browned, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together until the onion is soft and translucent—about 3-4 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the shredded cheese and let it melt into that rich, creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Combine Pasta & Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it to coat in that creamy, cheesy sauce. Stir it all together until every piece of pasta is covered in cheesy goodness.
Serve and Enjoy: Dish it out while it’s hot and melty, and enjoy the comfort of creamy, cheesy pasta with savory kielbasa in every bite.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
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Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta
This dish is perfect on its own, but if you’re looking to add a side, here are a few suggestions:
- Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with garlic bread to mop up that extra cheesy sauce!
- Green Salad: A simple salad with a light vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or carrots would add a nice balance and extra nutrients to the meal.
Additional Tips
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of this cheesy dish:
Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and color. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with just about any veggie.
Use Different Cheeses: Swap out the mozzarella and cheddar for gouda, provolone, or any other melty cheese you love.
Leftovers: This pasta reheats wonderfully in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just add a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creaminess.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap the kielbasa for any other sausage you like, such as Italian sausage or smoked sausage.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet with a little cream or milk to keep it creamy.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if needed.
Q4: Can I freeze this pasta?
A4: Yes, it freezes well! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
Q5: How can I make this dish spicier?
A5: Add more red pepper flakes or toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! This recipe can easily be doubled for a larger crowd. Just make sure your skillet or pan is big enough.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta is everything you need in a comforting, easy meal. It’s packed with flavor, loaded with cheesy goodness, and perfect for a cozy night in. The kielbasa adds that perfect smoky bite, while the creamy cheese sauce makes everything extra indulgent. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special dinner, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta is an easy, cheesy recipe that turns pantry staples like pasta and kielbasa into a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. It’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a busy night!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced Italian tomatoes
- 1/2 cup milk
- 8 ounces uncooked penne or similar pasta
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add kielbasa and onion, cooking for 4 minutes or until the sausage is lightly browned.
- Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, milk, pasta, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese until melted and fully combined.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use any type of pasta you have on hand, but penne works great for this dish.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
- For a richer sauce, substitute the milk with heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 596
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 75mg