Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dish that’s quick enough for a weeknight but hearty enough to satisfy everyone at the table, this Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe is going to be your new go-to. I absolutely love how this turns out — creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor from smoky kielbasa and Italian-seasoned tomatoes. Plus, it’s super simple to pull together! Stick around, because I’m sharing all my best tips so you can nail this recipe with zero stress.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The flavors in this Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe come together thanks to a great balance of smoky sausage, savory broth, and melty cheese — nothing too complicated, which is part of why I love it. When shopping, look for a kielbasa with a bit of spice or smokiness for that extra kick.

• Olive oil: Use a good-quality olive oil to sauté the kielbasa and onions, enhancing their natural flavors.
• Kielbasa sausage: I recommend smoked kielbasa for depth of flavor; turkey kielbasa works well too if you want a lighter option.
• Diced onion: Adds a bit of sweetness and texture; yellow onions work best for this recipe.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key for that savory warmth.
• Italian seasoning: This blend amps up the pasta’s flavor, but feel free to add more if you like bold herbs.
• Reduced-sodium chicken broth: Using reduced-sodium broth helps control the saltiness while keeping it flavorful.
• Diced Italian tomatoes: These bring a subtly seasoned tomato touch; you can swap with regular diced tomatoes in a pinch.
• Milk: I usually grab whatever milk is on hand, from skim to whole; it makes the sauce creamy without being heavy.
• Uncooked penne pasta: Penne or any short, sturdy pasta works great to hold the sauce well.
• Ground black pepper: Freshly cracked adds a nice bit of spice without overpowering.
• Shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese: This combo gives you gooey, melty, cheesy goodness with a little zing — one of my favorite blends for pasta.

Variations

I love playing around with this Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe to keep it fresh. Whether it’s swapping proteins or adjusting the spice, personalizing this dish is half the fun and makes it your own. Don’t be shy to experiment!

• Spicy twist: I sometimes toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick — my family goes crazy for it!
• Vegetable boost: Adding chopped bell peppers or spinach is an easy way to sneak in some greens without sacrificing flavor.
• Cheese swap: Try using sharp cheddar instead of Cheddar-Jack for a tangier bite, or even mozzarella for melty stretch.
• Gluten-free option: Simply swap the penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and the rest stays the same.

How to Make Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Kielbasa and Onion Until Lightly Browned

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa sausage and diced onion, stirring occasionally. You’ll want to cook this for about 4 minutes until the sausage is lightly browned and the onion starts to soften. This browning develops flavor, so don’t rush it — you’ll smell that delicious aroma filling your kitchen!

Step 2: Stir in Garlic and Italian Seasoning

Once the sausage and onions look great, toss in the minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook this mixture for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly. This quick step wakes up the flavors without letting the garlic burn or turn bitter, which I’ve learned is key for a smooth sauce.

Step 3: Add Liquids, Pasta, and Pepper, Then Simmer

Next, pour in 2 cups of reduced-sodium chicken broth, a 14-ounce can of diced Italian tomatoes, ½ cup of milk, and sprinkle in ½ teaspoon ground black pepper along with 8 ounces of uncooked penne pasta. Give it a good stir, then bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, so stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check for that perfect bite.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese and Season

Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in 2 cups of shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese until it melts into a creamy, cheesy sauce. Give it a taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. The cheese adds that perfect gooey texture that makes this dish so comforting — trust me, it’s worth every bite.

How to Serve Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I like to top this cheesy kielbasa pasta with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or scallions for a burst of color and freshness. A little extra black pepper or crushed red pepper flakes add a nice touch if you like some heat. Parmesan cheese on top can also be a lovely upgrade if you have it on hand.

Side Dishes

We usually serve this pasta with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette — it cuts through the richness perfectly. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also a favorite side for soaking up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family dinner or weekend gathering, I sometimes put the pasta in a pretty casserole dish and top it with extra shredded cheese before popping it under the broiler for a couple of minutes. That golden, bubbly top makes it look extra special without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cheesy kielbasa pasta stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I grab it out for lunch, I like to stir in a splash of milk to keep it creamy before reheating.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, I recommend freezing before adding cheese, since cheese can lose texture after thawing. Freeze the kielbasa pasta mixture in airtight containers up to 2 months, then add fresh cheese when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat with a little milk or broth stirred in to bring back the creamy texture. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe holds a special place on my dinner rotation because it’s that perfect combo of fuss-free cooking and hands-down delicious comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a crew or just craving something hearty after a long day, this recipe is pure magic. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite just like I do!

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