Looking for a comforting, hearty meal that comes together in one pan? This cheesy kielbasa pasta is everything you need for a cozy dinner.
The combination of tender pasta, melty cheese, and perfectly browned kielbasa is comfort food at its finest.
What I love about this dish is how simple it is to pull together. It’s ready in less than 30 minutes!
I like to garnish it with fresh green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta
Ultimate Comfort: This one-pan wonder combines hearty kielbasa, creamy cheese sauce, and tender pasta. It’s the epitome of comfort food.
Rich and Savory Taste: The combination of flavorful kielbasa, creamy cheese, and a hint of spice creates a deeply savory and irresistible dish.
One-Pan Wonder: With everything cooked in a single pan, this recipe minimizes cleanup.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks and family dinners, this versatile dish appeals to both adults and kids alike.
Ingredients
- Kielbasa: It adds a robust flavor to the dish, enhancing its overall taste with its rich, meaty texture.
- Olive Oil: It’s used to sauté the kielbasa and vegetables.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics form the flavor foundation of the dish.
- Chicken Broth: It serves as the liquid base for cooking the pasta.
- Heavy Cream: It adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
- Diced Tomatoes: They enhance the dish’s visual appeal and add a fresh, tangy taste.
- Penne Pasta: Its tube shape is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- Shredded Cheddar and Parmesan Cheese: Cheddar melts into a gooey, stretchy texture, while Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor.
- Seasonings: Smoked paprika imparts a smoky depth, black pepper adds a mild heat, and red pepper flakes offer an optional kick of spice.
- Green Onions: Used as a garnish, they provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
How to Make Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta
This one-dish meal is so easy, you’ll put it on repeat!
1. Cook the kielbasa. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned on both sides (about 4-5 minutes). Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics. In the same pan, add the diced onion and cook until softened (about 3 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring frequently.
3. Combine the liquids and pasta. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine. Add the uncooked pasta, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
4. Add the cheese and kielbasa. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy. Return the kielbasa to the pan and mix well.
5. Garnish and serve. Spoon the pasta into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta
This recipe is pretty foolproof, but these tips make it really stand out.
- Pick your favorite kielbasa. Choose turkey kielbasa for a lighter option or traditional pork or beef kielbasa for a more robust flavor. You can also use smoked kielbasa to add a rich, smoky depth to your dish.
- Pick another pasta. While penne is traditional, you can use fusilli, rigatoni, linguini, or fettuccini.
- Choose the best cheese. Use freshly grated cheese from blocks rather than pre-packaged shredded cheese. It melts better and creates a smoother sauce without anti-caking agents.
- Keep the slices even. Cut the kielbasa into evenly sized rounds or on an angle to ensure even browning and a professional presentation.
- Spice it up or down. Adjust the smoked paprika and red pepper flakes to your desired heat level, or omit them entirely for a milder dish.
- Lighten it up. Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version of the dish without compromising too much on creaminess.
- Make it a meal. Pair this dish with crusty garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to balance the richness of the pasta.
- Make it your own. Add chicken or shrimp alongside the kielbasa for extra protein and flavor variety. Add mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for extra vegetables. Or transform into a pasta bake by topping with extra cheese and baking until golden.
How to Store
Here’s how to keep your leftover pasta fresh for a few days.
To Store: Place the cooled pasta in an air-tight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture from creating bacteria or mold. I don’t recommend freezing this recipe.
To Reheat: Heat 3 tablespoons of milk in a pan until just simmering, then add the pasta and stir vigorously until the sauce becomes creamy again. Or, place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and heat at 350°F for about 20 minutes, adding a splash of milk to maintain the creamy texture.
More Delicious Pasta Recipes Your Family Will Love
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Pasta alla Gricia
Scallop and Shrimp Pasta
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta
6
servings10
minutes25
minutes530
This cheesy kielbasa pasta is an easy dish the family will love! As a bonus, it’s made in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze.
Ingredients
12 oz kielbasa (sliced into rounds)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
8 oz uncooked penne pasta
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Green onions (sliced, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned on both sides (about 4-5 minutes). Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the diced onion and cook until softened (about 3 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine. Add the uncooked pasta, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy. Return the kielbasa to the pan and mix well.
- Spoon the cheesy kielbasa pasta into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions.
Notes
- Choose turkey kielbasa for a lighter option, traditional pork or beef kielbasa for a juicier and more robust flavor, or smoked kielbasa to add a rich, smoky depth to your dish.
- While penne is traditional, you can use fusilli, rigatoni, linguini, or fettuccini. Any short tubular or long flat pasta works well.
- Use freshly grated cheese from blocks rather than pre-packaged shredded cheese, as it melts better and creates a smoother sauce without anti-caking agents.
