Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe because it’s one of those comfort dishes that comes together quickly but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. If you’re looking for a hearty, cheesy, and super flavorful meal that the whole family will go crazy for, you’ve found your new go-to. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create a creamy, flavorful pasta dinner. The kielbasa adds a smoky richness, while the Italian seasoning and tomatoes bring a tangy depth. I always suggest picking good-quality kielbasa for the best taste.

• Olive oil: Use extra virgin if you can; it adds a nice richness without overpowering the other flavors.
• Kielbasa sausage: Slice it thick for that perfect chew and smoky flavor; turkey kielbasa works if you want a lighter option.
• Diced onion: Adds sweetness and texture; I usually use yellow onion, but white works fine too.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key here; it gives the dish its punch.
• Italian seasoning: I sometimes add a little extra for a herby boost.
• Reduced-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the salt in check but adds savory depth.
• Diced Italian tomatoes: The seasoned tomatoes give the sauce a nice tang and complexity.
• Milk: Any milk you have works fine, but whole milk gives the best creamy texture.
• Uncooked penne pasta: I prefer penne because it holds sauce well, but rigatoni or ziti are great alternatives.
• Ground black pepper: Fresh cracked always wins for seasoning.
• Shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, slightly sharp flavor.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. I encourage you to make it your own—add some veggies or swap out cheeses to change up the flavor profile.

• Vegetable Boost: I’ve tossed in chopped bell peppers or mushrooms before for an extra dose of veggies, and it works wonderfully.
• Spicy Kick: Adding red pepper flakes or swapping kielbasa for a spicy smoked sausage gives this a lively twist.
• Dairy-Free Version: Try using a dairy-free milk and cheese alternative to make it allergy-friendly; just keep an eye on the sauce consistency.
• Cheese Variation: Swap the Cheddar-Jack for mozzarella or gouda to get a different melt and flavor vibe.

How to Make Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Kielbasa and Onions

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then add the sliced kielbasa and diced onion. Cook them, stirring regularly, for about 4 minutes or until the sausage is lightly browned. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges get that slight caramelized color and the onions start turning translucent. This step builds the base flavor, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add Garlic and Italian Seasoning

Next, stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook everything together for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic. This quick step releases the aromatic flavors that elevate the dish.

Step 3: Pour in Broth, Tomatoes, Milk, and Pasta

Add the chicken broth, diced Italian tomatoes (with their juices), milk, uncooked pasta, and black pepper to the skillet. Give everything a good stir to combine. Then crank up the heat and bring the mixture to a boil—you’ll see the pasta starting to absorb the liquid, which is why this is such a one-pan wonder.

Step 4: Simmer Until Pasta is Al Dente

Once at a boil, lower the heat to medium-low, cover your skillet, and let it cook for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom and ensure even cooking. You’ll want to taste-test the pasta around the 15-minute mark to check for that perfect al dente bite.

Step 5: Stir in the Cheese and Season

Finally, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese until it’s melted and silky. Give it a taste and add salt or more pepper if you think it needs it. Sometimes I like an extra sprinkle of Italian seasoning here, too—it just depends on your personal taste.

How to Serve Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with a little fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese right before serving. You could also add a dusting of Parmesan if you want a sharper, nutty note. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat if you’re feeling adventurous!

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I often serve this with a crisp green salad or some steamed broccoli. Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls go perfectly to soak up all that cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated this in a pretty deep pasta bowl, drizzled a little extra olive oil on top, and garnished with microgreens. It instantly makes dinner feel a bit fancy—even if it’s just a Tuesday night!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I store them in airtight containers in the fridge. The pasta tends to soak up the sauce as it sits, so I usually add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to bring back that creamy texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe successfully in portioned freezer bags or containers. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before freezing. When thawed, reheating with a bit of liquid helps bring the sauce back to its luscious self.

Reheating

For best results, I reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or broth, stirring frequently. Microwaving works too, but I find the stovetop keeps it creamier and evenly heated.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe is one of those meals that’s comfort food at its finest: warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor, yet simple enough to whip up on a busy evening. I love how everything cooks together in one pan—it saves time and dishes, which I’m all about. I hope you’ll try it soon and enjoy the satisfying blend of sausage, pasta, and melty cheese just like my family and I do every week.

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