Kielbasa pasta is the ultimate one-pot comfort meal, packed with smoky kielbasa, creamy cheese, and hearty pasta. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or an easy recipe to use up leftovers, this cheesy kielbasa pasta recipe is a crowd-pleaser. It’s rich, flavorful, and made in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Kielbasa pasta is the ultimate one-pot comfort meal, packed with smoky kielbasa, creamy cheese, and hearty pasta. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or an easy recipe to use up leftovers, this cheesy kielbasa pasta recipe is a crowd-pleaser. It’s rich, flavorful, and made in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make kielbasa pasta from scratch, plus pro tips on pasta shapes, seasonings, and substitutions. We’ll also explore the best sides to serve with this dish and how to store and reheat leftovers.
Ingredients for Kielbasa Pasta
To make this delicious recipe, you’ll need:
- Kielbasa sausage (beef kielbasa, pork, or turkey kielbasa)
- Penne pasta (or your favorite kielbasa pasta shape)
- Bell peppers and tomatoes (for a hint of sweetness)
- Parmesan cheese (adds a nutty, salty kick)
- Chicken broth (for extra depth of flavor)
- Heavy cream (for a rich, creamy cheese sauce)
- Garlic and onions (aromatic base)
- Red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat)
How to Make Kielbasa Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Cooking the Pasta and Kielbasa
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook for 12 minutes until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
- Dice the bell pepper and onions while the pasta is cooking.
- Slice the kielbasa sausage and cook it in a Dutch oven over medium heat until browned. Place the kielbasa on a plate and set aside.
2. Making the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic, onions, and bell peppers until soft.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in parmesan cheese to create a creamy pasta sauce.
- Add the sliced kielbasa and cooked pasta, then stir the pasta to combine.
3. Adding the Final Touches
- Simmer for 2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Stir in shredded cheese and spinach for extra texture and nutrients.
- Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes to taste.
Love cheesy pasta? Don’t miss our Chef’s Choice recipes for more comforting, creamy dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe
✔️ One-Pot Wonder – Easy cleanup with minimal dishes.
✔️ Rich & Creamy – A perfect mix of smoky, cheesy, and savory flavors.
✔️ Versatile – Customize with different veggies, pasta shapes, or protein.
✔️ Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!
Best Pasta Shapes for Kielbasa Pasta
Choosing the right pasta shape helps soak up the creamy cheese sauce:
✔ Penne pasta – Classic choice, holds sauce well.
✔ Rotini – Twists trap more flavor.
✔ Rigatoni – Thick and hearty, ideal for meaty sauces.
✔ Farfalle (bowtie pasta) – Adds a fun texture.
One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta: Easy and Delicious!
If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful one-pot meal, this smoked sausage pasta is the answer! The creamy cheese sauce coats the short pasta beautifully, creating a satisfying dish that’s perfect for dinner tonight.
Why Use One Pot?
Cooking everything in one pan means:
✔ Less cleanup – No need for extra pots and pans.
✔ More flavor – The pasta absorbs all the delicious smoky kielbasa juices.
✔ Easy weeknight meal – Perfect for busy nights!
Recipe Tips for the Perfect Polish Sausage Pasta
- Use smoked sausage for the best flavor.
- Add red pepper for a touch of spice.
- Make the dish creamy by stirring in extra parmesan cheese.
- Be sure the pasta is coated in the sauce for the best taste!
Is Kielbasa Good in Alfredo Sauce?
Yes! Kielbasa’s smoky flavor pairs beautifully with rich Alfredo sauce. Simply swap out the parmesan cheese sauce for a traditional Alfredo base by mixing:
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese
What to Serve with Kielbasa Pasta
Make this dish even more satisfying with these side options:
✔ Garlic bread – Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
✔ Roasted vegetables – Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms add color and flavor.
✔ Side salad – A fresh contrast to the creamy pasta.
How to Reheat Leftover Kielbasa Pasta
Leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to reheat without drying out the pasta:
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth.
- Microwave: Add a little water, cover, and microwave in 30-second bursts.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil.
To Elevate Your Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta
The Secret to That Creamy Cheesy Goodness
The best part of this cheesy kielbasa pasta is the creamy, cheesy texture that coats every bite. To achieve that cheesy goodness, follow these simple tips:
✔ Use freshly grated cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
✔ Add cheese off the heat – Adding the cheese when the dish is too hot can cause clumping.
✔ Reserve pasta water – It helps loosen the sauce without making it runny.
“I made this last night, and it was so good! The smoky flavor of cooked smoked sausage combined with the creamy sauce was perfect.”
The Best Way to Cook and Combine Kielbasa and Pasta
To ensure the best flavor and texture, follow these steps:
- Cook the pasta al dente to keep it firm and prevent overcooking when mixed with the sauce.
- Transfer the kielbasa to a plate after browning so it doesn’t overcook.
- Layer flavors in the pan – Use the same pot for cooking the pasta, sausage, and sauce to build depth.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to scrape the bottom of the pan for extra flavor!
“I made this tonight for my family, and they couldn’t get enough of it. This is now my go-to meal!”
Would you like even more ideas? Don’t miss our Simply Savory for more comforting meals!
Why Polish Kielbasa is Perfect for This Pasta
If you’re wondering why Polish kielbasa is the ideal protein for this dish, here’s why:
✔ Smoky & savory – It brings a rich, deep flavor that pairs well with creamy sauces.
✔ Pre-cooked convenience – Since it’s cooked smoked sausage, it requires minimal preparation.
✔ Versatile – Works well in creamy, tomato-based, or even spicy pasta sauces.
“This was an amazing recipe! I found this recipe last week and finally tried it—absolutely delicious!”
Easy Pasta Tips from a Recipe Developer
As a recipe developer, I always look for ways to make dishes easier and tastier. Here are my top tips:
✔ Use a wide-bottomed pot – Cooking in the bottom of the pot that allows even heat distribution prevents sticking.
✔ Stir frequently – It keeps the pasta from clumping and ensures even cooking.
✔ Try different cheese combinations – A mix of parmesan and cheddar gives the best results.
“I made this for dinner tonight, and it was so good! The perfect balance of creamy and smoky flavors.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What goes best with kielbasa?
Kielbasa pairs well with a variety of side dishes and ingredients. Some popular options include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, and pasta. It also works great in soups, casseroles, and stir-fries. For a lighter option, serve it with a fresh salad or sautéed greens like spinach or kale.
Is kielbasa good in spaghetti sauce?
Yes! Kielbasa adds a smoky, savory flavor to spaghetti sauce, making it a delicious alternative to traditional meats like ground beef or sausage. Simply dice the kielbasa and let it simmer with diced tomatoes, red pepper, garlic, and Italian seasonings for a rich and flavorful sauce.
What is kielbasa traditionally served with?
Kielbasa is commonly served with sauerkraut, potatoes, and hearty bread in traditional Polish cuisine. It’s also enjoyed with pierogies, mustard, and pickles for a classic Eastern European meal. In modern recipes, kielbasa is often added to pasta, soups, and one-pot dishes for extra flavor.
Is kielbasa good in Alfredo?
Absolutely! The smoky taste of kielbasa complements the creamy, cheesy flavor of Alfredo sauce. It pairs well with penne pasta or fettuccine, and adding ingredients like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms can enhance the dish even more. Try it for a rich and satisfying pasta dinner!
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cheesy kielbasa pasta is an easy and delicious one-pot meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With smoked sausage, parmesan cheese, and a creamy sauce, this great recipe is packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family meal or prepping leftovers for the next day, this pasta dish with kielbasa is a guaranteed hit.
Key Takeaways:
✔ One-pan recipe – Quick, simple, and minimal cleanup.
✔ Creamy and smoky flavors – A rich combination of smoked sausage pasta and parmesan.
✔ Versatile – Add veggies like spinach, red pepper, or roasted red tomatoes.
✔ Reheats beautifully – Leftovers taste even better the next day!
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Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta – The Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Meal
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 bowls of pasta 1x
Description
This cheesy kielbasa pasta is the ultimate one-pot comfort meal, packed with smoky kielbasa, creamy cheese, and hearty pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is rich, flavorful, and made in just one pan—making cleanup a breeze! Serve it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz kielbasa sausage (beef, pork, or turkey), sliced
- 12 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta like rotini, rigatoni, or farfalle)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow for sweetness)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional, for extra depth)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best texture)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella, optional)
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional, for extra nutrients)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta & Kielbasa
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente (about 12 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- While pasta is cooking, slice the kielbasa into thin rounds.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven or skillet over medium heat. Add kielbasa and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove kielbasa and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
- In the same pan, add onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until it melts into the sauce.
Step 3: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked kielbasa to the pan.
- Add the cooked pasta, stirring to coat in the creamy sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen it.
Step 4: Final Touches
- Stir in red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt to taste.
- Add shredded cheese and spinach (if using). Let it melt into the pasta.
- Simmer for 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan and fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Simply Savory
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American, Polish-Influenced
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Cheesy kielbasa pasta, one-pot pasta, smoked sausage pasta, easy weeknight dinner, creamy pasta recipe
