Description
Easy Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta is a quick and comforting weeknight meal featuring tender pasta coated in a rich, creamy sauce with smoky, savory kielbasa and melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish combines simple pantry ingredients and fresh aromatics for a satisfying dinner loved by the whole family, perfect for busy nights or when you crave comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
- Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
- Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added vegetables
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water to help adjust sauce consistency later.
- Cook the Kielbasa: Slice the kielbasa into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil or butter, then sauté the kielbasa until it develops a browned, slightly crispy edge. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream or half-and-half and stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and browned kielbasa back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat in the creamy sauce evenly. Gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese while stirring so it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Adjust and Serve: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until the texture is just right. Finish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired, then serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t overcook the pasta; aim for al dente as it will continue to soften slightly when mixed with the sauce.
- Brown the kielbasa well to add extra flavor and texture.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for smooth melting.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen and bind the sauce perfectly.
- If making a big batch, cook kielbasa in smaller amounts to ensure even browning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg