Looking for a quick, satisfying, and cheesy meal? This Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta is a perfect one-pan dish that combines the rich flavors of kielbasa, creamy cheese, and tender pasta, all cooked together in one skillet. The smoky kielbasa paired with the creamy sauce makes for a delicious family-friendly meal. Plus, it’s easy to make and cleanup is a breeze!
Why Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Is So Irresistible
This pasta dish is a one-pan wonder that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The savory kielbasa is browned to perfection and then combined with a creamy broth, tangy tomatoes, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. The cheddar and Parmesan cheeses melt into the sauce, making it irresistibly cheesy. Whether you’re cooking for your family or a crowd, this meal is sure to please everyone at the table.
Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe
Ingredients:
- For the Pasta:
- 12 oz kielbasa, sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon 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 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Green onions, sliced, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta
1. Brown 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. Once browned, remove the kielbasa from the pan and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- 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 to prevent burning.
3. Make the Sauce:
- Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Add the uncooked penne pasta, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
4. Add Cheese and Kielbasa:
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy.
- Return the cooked kielbasa to the pan and mix well to combine everything.
5. Serve:
- Spoon the cheesy kielbasa pasta into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions.
Notes:
- Make it Spicy: If you love a bit of heat, feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes to your taste or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Vegetable Add-ins: For extra veggies, you can add some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers while sautéing the onion and garlic.
- Substitute the Pasta: If you prefer a different pasta shape, feel free to substitute the penne with rotini, rigatoni, or any other pasta you have on hand.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta
This one-pan dish features smoky kielbasa, tender pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce, all cooked together for a flavorful, easy meal.
Ingredients
- For the Pasta:
- 12 oz kielbasa sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon 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 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Green onions sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Kielbasa: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add kielbasa and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes. Set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same pan, cook diced onion until softened (about 3 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and diced tomatoes. Stir in uncooked pasta, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Cheese and Kielbasa: Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy. Return the kielbasa to the pan and mix well.
- Serve: Spoon pasta into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions.
Notes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 530 kcal per serving