Zesty Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe for Cozy Dinner Magic

Crafting a delightful kielbasa pasta dish brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table.

Savory sausage mingles with creamy cheese, creating an irresistible combination.

Weeknight meals demand something special, and this recipe delivers pure satisfaction.

Hearty ingredients come together effortlessly, promising a meal that will spark conversation.

Families appreciate quick and delicious solutions that don’t compromise on flavor.

Robust kielbasa adds a smoky depth that elevates the entire experience.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant classic at your dinner table.

Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta That Satisfies

• Savor One-Pot Convenience: Enjoy a complete meal prepared in a single dutch oven, minimizing kitchen cleanup and making dinner preparation stress-free.
• Master Quick Comfort Cooking: Create a hearty, satisfying dish with simple ingredients that come together rapidly, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous meal planning.
• Customize Flavor Adventure: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping kielbasa with different proteins or adding extra vegetables, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser for various taste preferences.
• Elevate Weeknight Dining: Transform an ordinary meal into a restaurant-quality experience with rich, creamy textures and bold flavors that will impress family and friends.

Ingredients Needed for Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta

• Kielbasa: A flavorful sausage that adds rich, smoky depth to the pasta dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, aged cheese that provides a tangy and creamy finish to the recipe.

• Onions, Roasted Red Peppers, Parsley: Fresh vegetables and herbs that bring color, sweetness, and a bright garnish to the dish.

• Penne Pasta, Chicken Stock, Heavy Cream, Olive Oil: Essential components that create the creamy base and provide texture to the pasta.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

How to Make Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta

Step 1: Slice and Sizzle Kielbasa

Cut kielbasa into diagonal chunks. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Toss kielbasa pieces into the pan and cook until golden brown on all sides. Once crispy, move kielbasa to a separate plate.

Step 2: Soften Aromatic Onions

Drop remaining olive oil into the same pot. Add diced onions with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Pour in chicken stock to help release delicious pan drippings. Stir and cook onions until they become translucent and tender.

Step 3: Create Creamy Pasta Base

• Penne pasta
• Chicken stock
• Heavy cream

Stir ingredients thoroughly. Cover pot and let pasta simmer.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Combine Flavor Enhancers

• Cooked kielbasa
• Roasted red peppers

Mix everything together.

Let ingredients mingle and warm through for a few minutes.

Step 5: Melt Cheesy Goodness

Remove pot from heat.

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over pasta. Stir until cheese melts completely and coats every pasta piece.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Chop fresh parsley and scatter over the top. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, creamy deliciousness immediately.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta

• Slice kielbasa diagonally for better browning and more surface area to capture delicious caramelization.
• Use a heavy-bottomed dutch oven to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning during sautéing.
• Deglaze the pan with chicken stock to capture all the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom, maximizing taste potential.
• Stir pasta occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking throughout the dish.
• Choose fresh parsley for garnishing to add a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the creamy cheese and kielbasa.

Variations to Try with Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta

• Spicy Chorizo Swap: Replace kielbasa with spicy chorizo for a bolder, zestier flavor profile that adds a kick to the pasta dish.
• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Substitute kielbasa with plant-based sausage or grilled portobello mushrooms for a meat-free alternative that maintains rich, satisfying textures.
• Gluten-Free Pasta Option: Use gluten-free penne or chickpea pasta to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities while keeping the original recipe's creamy essence.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Hack: Swap traditional pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carbohydrate version that still delivers robust flavors.

Pairing Ideas with Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta

• Select a bold Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich, smoky kielbasa and creamy cheese sauce, cutting through the dish's heaviness while enhancing its savory profile.
• Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's richness, providing a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate between bites of the hearty meal.
• Prepare crusty, buttery garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture that perfectly matches the kielbasa pasta's decadent character.

Storage Tips for Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor integrity.
• Pack cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for maximum 2 months. Prevent freezer burn by wrapping containers in plastic wrap.
• Place pasta in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons water to restore moisture. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle until thoroughly warm.

FAQs

• Is kielbasa necessary for this recipe?

Yes, kielbasa is a key ingredient that provides smoky flavor and protein. If unavailable, you can substitute with smoked sausage or andouille sausage.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Penne works best due to its shape holding sauce well, but you can use similar short pasta like rigatoni or ziti as alternatives.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes during onion sautéing or use spicy kielbasa to increase heat level. Alternatively, include a dash of cayenne pepper when seasoning.

• Is this recipe considered budget-friendly?

Yes, it uses affordable ingredients like kielbasa, pasta, and common pantry items. The recipe provides good value and serves multiple people economically.

Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty kielbasa pasta delights dinner tables with rich, creamy flavors from Polish sausage and melted cheese. Simple ingredients combine for a comforting meal that satisfies you completely.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340 g) turkey kielbasa (or pork, pre-cooked)
• 3 cups (240 g) dry penne pasta
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken stock
• 1 cup (240 ml) finely diced yellow onion
• 1 cup (100 g) finely shredded Parmesan cheese (freshly grated from the block)
• 6 oz (170 g) jarred roasted red peppers (drained and roughly chopped)
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) freshly minced parsley
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
• ⅛ tsp (0.6 ml) ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Slice kielbasa diagonally into bite-sized segments for optimal flavor distribution. Sear pieces in hot olive oil over medium heat for 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and reserve on a separate plate.
2. In the same cooking vessel, add remaining olive oil and onions. Deglaze pan with chicken stock, scraping browned bits from bottom. Cook onions until translucent and softened, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Pour pasta, remaining chicken stock, and heavy cream into the pot. Stir thoroughly to combine ingredients. Cover and simmer for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
4. Reintroduce seared kielbasa and roasted red peppers to the mixture. Gently fold ingredients together, allowing flavors to meld. Cover and simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and immediately incorporate Parmesan cheese. Stir vigorously until cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy sauce coating the pasta.
6. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot to preserve the dish’s rich, comforting texture and maximize flavor intensity.

Notes

• Always slice kielbasa diagonally to maximize flavor absorption and create visually appealing pieces during cooking.
• Use a heavy-bottomed dutch oven for even heat distribution and better browning of kielbasa, which intensifies the overall taste profile.
• Deglaze the pan with chicken stock to capture every bit of delicious browned bits, enhancing the depth of flavor in the entire dish.
• Stir pasta frequently during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure uniform texture, especially when using a one-pot cooking method.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories without compromising creaminess.
• Vegetarian adaptation can be achieved by replacing kielbasa with smoked tofu or plant-based sausage and using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Polish-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 576 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 710 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg