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Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta

Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta
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Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and comforting meal featuring smoky kielbasa, tender pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a satisfying, family-friendly dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Pasta

  • 12 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced into bite-sized rounds
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or penne pasta

Dairy

  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1 cup milk or heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon paprika

Optional Vegetables

  • ½ cup bell peppers, diced
  • 1 cup fresh spinach

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
  2. Cook the kielbasa: Slice kielbasa into bite-sized rounds and cook in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and slightly crispy on the edges to develop smoky flavor.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the kielbasa. Sauté until onions are translucent and fragrant, building the flavor base.
  4. Make the cheesy sauce: Reduce heat, stir in butter until melted, then gradually whisk in milk or heavy cream. Slowly add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika.
  5. Combine pasta and sauce: Toss cooked pasta into the skillet with the cheesy kielbasa sauce. Mix well to coat all pasta pieces. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  6. Warm through and serve: Let the mixture heat together for a couple of minutes to let flavors meld. Plate and enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
  • Do not overcook pasta; keep it al dente so it retains texture after mixing with sauce.
  • Brown kielbasa well to enhance flavor complexity through caramelization.
  • Add optional vegetables just before combining pasta to keep them crisp-tender.
  • Adjust seasoning gradually; taste as you go and tweak salt and pepper to preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy kielbasa pasta, quick dinner, one-pan meal, kielbasa recipe, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, family-friendly pasta

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/cheesy-kielbasa-pasta/