Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta
A quick, cozy dinner perfect for busy weeknights, this Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta is loaded with smoky sausage, a rich cream sauce, and melty cheese—all made in one skillet.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 12 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces Use hardwood-smoked kielbasa for better flavor.
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta Penne or rotini traps sauce well; use semolina pasta for best texture.
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half Heavy cream yields velvety texture.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Sharp cheddar enhances flavor intensity.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For melt and stretch.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil or butter For sautéing kielbasa.
- Salt and pepper to taste Adjust according to preference.
- Parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish Optional but recommended for freshness.
- Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick (optional)
- Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added vegetables (optional) Great for added nutrition.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta until al dente in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions, then drain, reserving a little pasta water.
- Slice the kielbasa into bite-sized pieces. Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat, and sauté the kielbasa until it is browned and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the rendered kielbasa fat. Cook until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant, about 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and stir to combine. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta and browned kielbasa back into the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce, then gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella while stirring to melt the cheese smoothly.
- If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches the desired consistency. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.
Notes
For leftovers, cool the pasta to room temperature and store in an airtight container. Reheat gently to maintain creaminess.