There’s something magical about combining hearty kielbasa with creamy cheese sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. This Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish that’ll warm your heart and satisfy your cravings in one bite. Whether you’re cooking for the family, hosting a cozy dinner, or just want a quick, delicious meal after a long day, this dish hits the spot every single time. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients – it’s about the flavors, the textures, and the memories you’ll create while cooking and eating it. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for any occasion – from a weeknight dinner to a weekend family feast. It’s comforting yet flavorful, making it a great go-to for all types of meals.
Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are affordable and easy to find, making this recipe an excellent option for keeping your meals tasty without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is a lifesaver when you’re short on time but craving something rich and satisfying.
Customizable: Whether you prefer a little heat with spicy kielbasa or want to add veggies like spinach or bell peppers, this recipe adapts to your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this dish – it’s made with just a few simple ingredients, but the end result will leave you craving more. Let’s break it down:
Kielbasa: The star of the show. Smoked sausage adds a savory, smoky flavor that complements the creamy cheese sauce perfectly. It’s tender and full of flavor, making every bite delightful.
Pasta: A comforting base for this dish. Whether you go for penne, fusilli, or your favorite pasta shape, it holds the sauce well and brings everything together.
Cheese Sauce: This rich and creamy sauce is made with a blend of cheese, butter, and cream, creating a luscious coating for both the kielbasa and the pasta. It’s the kind of sauce that makes you want to go back for seconds.
Garlic and Onion: These aromatic ingredients provide a savory foundation for the sauce and add depth to the dish’s flavor profile.
Seasonings: A simple combination of salt, pepper, and dried herbs (like oregano or thyme) elevate the dish and bring out the richness of the kielbasa and cheese.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your pan over medium heat. This ensures even cooking and gives your dish the right texture.
Cook the Kielbasa: Slice the kielbasa into bite-sized pieces. In a large pan, cook the kielbasa over medium heat until it’s browned and crispy. The caramelization on the edges adds extra flavor, so let it get nice and crispy. Set aside.
Cook the Pasta: In a separate pot, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pan you used for the kielbasa, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and cook until softened. Then, stir in the cream, salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes before adding in the cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and kielbasa back into the pan with the cheese sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta and kielbasa are well-coated with the creamy sauce.
Finishing Touches: Let it cook together for an extra 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If you prefer extra cheesy goodness, you can sprinkle a little more cheese on top and let it melt for a few seconds.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy! This dish is perfect on its own or paired with a simple side salad.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 550-600
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread for dipping into that creamy sauce. For an added veggie boost, serve it with some sautéed spinach or roasted broccoli.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- If you like a little spice, feel free to add red pepper flakes or use a spicy kielbasa variety.
- Swap out the pasta for a gluten-free version if you prefer.
- Want more veggies? Toss in some bell peppers or mushrooms with the kielbasa for extra flavor and texture.
FAQ’s
- Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! You can swap kielbasa with any sausage you like, such as Italian sausage or chicken sausage. - Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
You can use reduced-fat cream and cheese for a lighter version. You can also try whole wheat pasta for added fiber. - Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes! You can prepare everything up to the point of adding the cheese sauce, then refrigerate it until you’re ready to finish the dish. - Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! Store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk if it looks too thick. - How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add some red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or spicy sausage to give it a kick. - Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Try adding spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for a veggie-packed twist. - What type of cheese works best?
A combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella works wonderfully, but feel free to experiment with your favorites. - Can I make this dish without cream?
Yes! You can substitute the cream with milk and a little flour to thicken the sauce. - How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a little milk or cream to bring back the creamy texture. - Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, any pasta shape works well. Try it with penne, rotini, or farfalle for a fun twist!
Conclusion
This Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with its mouthwatering aroma and comforting, creamy flavors. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious – making it a go-to recipe that you’ll want to make over and over again. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this dish will definitely hit the spot. Enjoy!
Print
Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy, cheesy pasta dish with savory kielbasa sausage, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the kielbasa from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened.
- Return the kielbasa to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer.
- If you want a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- You can substitute the kielbasa with any other type of sausage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg