Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a dinner that’s comforting, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, then you’ve got to try this Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish comes together: creamy, satisfying, and quick enough for a weeknight meal. When I first made it, my family went crazy for that perfect blend of smoky kielbasa with gooey cheese and tender pasta. Stick with me—I’ll walk you through everything so you can nail it on your first try!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a rich, creamy, and flavorful pasta dish. I always recommend fresh garlic and good-quality kielbasa—you’ll notice the difference in taste right away.

• Olive Oil: For a nice base flavor and to help brown the kielbasa evenly without sticking.
• Kielbasa Sausage: This smoky sausage really makes the dish sing; slicing it thin helps it brown better.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth—diced small so they soften quickly.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives a punch of aroma and spice that you just can’t beat.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend that brings in herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme—it’s an easy way to add complexity.
• Reduced-Sodium Chicken Broth: Keeps the salt level in check while adding savory liquid for the pasta to cook in.
• Diced Italian Tomatoes: These bring a slightly seasoned, tangy touch that balances the richness.
• Milk: Any kind works, but I’m a fan of 2% for creaminess without being too heavy.
• Uncooked Pasta: Penne is classic here because it holds onto sauce well, but rigatoni or ziti work too.
• Ground Black Pepper: Adds just the right little kick.
• Shredded Cheddar-Jack Cheese: This blend melts beautifully and gives you that ooey-gooey goodness we all crave.

Variations

I love that this Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe is so flexible. Over time, I’ve played around with different cheeses and add-ins, and it’s fun to make it your own depending on what you have in the fridge.

• Using Different Sausage: I swapped turkey kielbasa once and loved how it lightened the dish without losing flavor.
• Cheese Choices: Mixing in mozzarella or even pepper jack can add creaminess or a spicy kick.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or baby spinach for extra color and nutrients—I do this when I want a little green on my plate.
• Spice It Up: Crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika give it a smoky heat you might enjoy.

How to Make Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Kielbasa and Soften the Onion

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then add your sliced kielbasa and diced onion. Stir regularly to prevent sticking and cook for about 4 minutes, or until the kielbasa is just starting to brown and the onions become translucent. This browning step adds a ton of flavor, so don’t rush it! Keep the heat medium to avoid burning.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Italian Seasoning

Next, stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to wake up the flavors without burning the garlic. This little step really lifts the dish aromatically.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta, Then Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, milk, and uncooked pasta, then sprinkle in the black pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. You’re waiting for the pasta to become al dente while soaking up all those tasty juices.

Step 4: Stir in Cheese and Season to Taste

Remove the skillet from heat, then add in your shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese. Stir until it melts into that gorgeous creamy sauce. Give it a taste and add salt or extra pepper if you feel it needs a little something more. This is the final moment to get the flavors just right!

How to Serve Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top to brighten those rich flavors and add a pop of color. Sometimes I toss a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat—especially if my family’s feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully here. Or, if you want to keep things cozy, garlic bread or roasted veggies like broccoli or Brussels sprouts are my go-to sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to serve this pasta in cute individual ramekins topped with a sprig of fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s a simple way to make it feel a little fancier without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After you’ve had your fill (if that’s possible!), store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. I find it stays great for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat again, just give it a good stir to refresh the sauce.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe a couple of times, and honestly, it does really well. Just cool it completely before freezing in a freezer-safe container. It’s best consumed within 1-2 months for peak flavor.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer using the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of milk or broth to bring back that creamy texture. Microwave works too, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes anytime I want something that’s hearty but not complicated. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate—perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress friends with minimal effort. I hope you try this soon and love it as much as my family does. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll keep coming back to this recipe again and again!

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