Get ready for a quick and easy one-pan meal that’s sure to become a family favorite! This Kielbasa Pasta recipe combines the savory flavors of Hillshire Kielbasa, pasta, onions, chicken broth, milk, and cheese. It’s a hearty and comforting dinner ready in just 20 minutes.
It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights. With a budget-friendly price tag and a yield of 8 servings, this dish is a crowd-pleasing option that’s sure to satisfy.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta
This cheesy kielbasa pasta is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights. It takes just 30 minutes to prepare. This makes it a budget-friendly meal that’s easy to clean up.
The mix of smoky kielbasa sausage, tender pasta, and creamy cheese sauce is irresistible. It’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
Busy families will love this kielbasa pasta recipe. It’s quick to make, under 30 minutes. This makes it perfect for hectic weeknights when time is tight.
Whether you’re cooking kielbasa noodles, kielbasa penne, or kielbasa linguine, it’s easy and fast.
Budget-Friendly Meal Option
This cheesy kielbasa pasta is a budget-friendly option. Kielbasa sausage is affordable and flavorful. The other ingredients, like pasta, onions, and spices, are also cheap.
This makes it a cost-effective meal that won’t empty your wallet.
One-Pan Cooking Convenience
The beauty of this kielbasa pasta dish is its one-pan cooking method. Everything is cooked in one skillet or Dutch oven. This means less cleanup.
This approach saves time and effort, making it great for busy weeknights.
This cheesy kielbasa pasta recipe is a family favorite. It combines flavor, convenience, and affordability. Enjoy the comforting taste of smoky sausage, tender pasta, and creamy sauce in a simple, one-pan meal.
Essential Ingredients and Substitutions
To make this tasty kielbasa bucatini, kielbasa rigatoni, or kielbasa macaroni dish, you’ll need a few key items. The main ingredient is kielbasa sausage. You can swap it with turkey sausage for a lighter taste. The pasta can be any shape, from bucatini to rigatoni or macaroni.
You’ll also need an onion, garlic, chicken broth, half-and-half or cream, and cheese. Sharp Cheddar or Colby cheese is best. For the cheese sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
Need to make changes? Use vegetable or beef broth instead of chicken broth. Adding fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or diced bell peppers can also be a great idea.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Kielbasa sausage | 12 oz package |
| Pasta (bucatini, rigatoni, macaroni) | 16 oz box |
| Onion | 1 medium, diced |
| Garlic | 2 tbsp, minced |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Cheddar or Colby cheese | 2 cups, shredded |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup, grated |
With these ingredients and a few simple swaps, you’re ready to make a delicious kielbasa bucatini, kielbasa rigatoni, or kielbasa macaroni dish. Your whole family will love it.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
When making a tasty sausage pasta dish, like smoked sausage pasta, you need the right tools. From basic tools to extra accessories, having the right equipment makes cooking easier and faster.
Must-Have Tools
- A large skillet or Dutch oven: This versatile piece of cookware is essential for sautéing the sausage and simmering the creamy pasta sauce.
- A wooden spoon: Useful for stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan to prevent burning or sticking.
- A cheese grater: Freshly grated cheese adds a luxurious texture and flavor to the sausage pasta dish.
- A sharp knife: Slicing the kielbasa or smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces requires a sturdy, sharp knife.
Optional Equipment
While not essential, some extra tools can make cooking easier:
- A garlic press: Mincing garlic with a press can save time and effort.
Cooking Surface Options
The main cooking area for a sausage pasta dish is usually the stovetop. But, you can also use slow cookers or instant pots for hands-off cooking and tender results.
| Cooking Surface | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Stovetop | Allows for direct control and monitoring of the cooking process. | Requires more hands-on attention during the cooking time. |
| Slow Cooker | Provides a convenient, hands-off cooking method with tender, flavorful results. | Cooking time may be longer, and some recipes may need to be adapted for the slow cooker. |
| Instant Pot | Combines the convenience of a slow cooker with the speed of pressure cooking. | Requires some familiarity with pressure cooking techniques. |
Choosing the right cooking surface is important. But, having the right tools makes preparing your sausage pasta dish easy.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making the perfect kielbasa pasta is easy and quick, taking less than 30 minutes. Start by cutting the kielbasa into small pieces. Then, cook them in a skillet with avocado oil over medium-high heat until browned.
After the sausage is browned, add diced onions and bell peppers. Cook until they’re soft. Next, add chicken broth, milk, and your favorite seasonings like garlic, salt, and pepper. Bring it to a boil, then add the pasta.
Lower the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15 minutes. This will make the pasta tender and the sauce thick.
- Brown sliced kielbasa and onions in a skillet with avocado oil.
- Add chicken broth, milk, and seasonings, then bring to a boil.
- Stir in uncooked pasta, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in shredded cheese, reserving some for topping.
Finally, add the shredded cheese, saving some for the top. The whole process takes about 20-25 minutes. Serve the kielbasa pasta hot. Top it with the reserved cheese, parsley, or crushed red pepper flakes.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 596 |
| Carbohydrates | 36g |
| Protein | 26g |
| Fat | 38g |
| Saturated Fat | 16g |
| Sodium | 1324mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Vitamin A | 495IU |
| Vitamin C | 8mg |
| Calcium | 343mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
Kielbasa Pasta Sauce Preparation
Start by making a tasty sauce for your kielbasa noodles or kielbasa penne. This sauce will make your dish even better. Here’s how to make the perfect sauce for your pasta.
Creating the Perfect Cream Base
First, mix 1 cup of chicken broth with 1/2 cup of half-and-half or heavy cream in a saucepan. Heat it gently, stirring now and then, until the flavors mix well. If you want a thicker sauce, add 2 tablespoons of corn starch to the liquid. Keep cooking until it’s just right.
Cheese Selection and Incorporation
To get a creamy sauce, use cheeses like Cheddar, Colby, or Parmesan. Add the cheese slowly, about 1/4 cup at a time, while stirring. This helps the cheese melt smoothly into the cream base.
Seasoning Tips
Make your kielbasa noodles or kielbasa penne sauce even better with herbs and spices. Add a bit of salt, black pepper, dried oregano, thyme, and garlic. For more flavor, mix in 2-3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard.
Learning to make a great sauce can elevate your kielbasa noodles or kielbasa penne dish. Your creamy, cheesy, and seasoned sauce will make everyone want more.
Tips for the Best Kielbasa Pasta Results
To make your kielbasa linguine or kielbasa bucatini dish better, follow these expert tips. They will help you get the best flavor and texture:
- Salt the pasta water well to season the noodles inside out.
- Save a cup of the starchy pasta cooking water. Use it to adjust your sauce’s consistency as needed.
- Cook the garlic briefly over medium heat. This avoids burning and bitterness.
- Add the broth slowly while whisking. This prevents lumps from forming in the sauce.
- Slowly add the cheese, stirring constantly. This ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
- Stir the pasta halfway through cooking. This prevents it from sticking together.
- For recipes using pork or beef kielbasa, drain any excess fat before adding the onions.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious and perfectly-textured kielbasa pasta dish every time.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
There are many ways to serve your tasty kielbasa pasta. Try it with a simple salad of arugula and spinach for a refreshing touch. For something more filling, garlic bread is a great choice that matches the flavors well.
Side Dish Options
- Creamy Polenta
- Sauerkraut with Caraway Seeds
- Hasselback Potatoes
- Garlic Butter Rice
- Scalloped Potatoes
- Red Cabbage Slaw
Wine Pairing Recommendations
A crisp, dry Riesling is perfect for white wine lovers. It contrasts nicely with the rich pasta. For red wine fans, a fruity Malbec or Merlot is a great choice. It adds a full-bodied taste to the dish.
Garnish Ideas
Make your kielbasa pasta even better with some fresh garnishes. Try chopped parsley, crispy breadcrumbs, or a bit more grated cheese. These add a nice crunch and flavor.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Proper storage and reheating are key for enjoying your sausage pasta dish or smoked sausage pasta leftovers. Here’s what you need to know:
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your sausage pasta dish or smoked sausage pasta, store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days. This keeps the flavor and texture fresh for later enjoyment.
Reheating the Pasta
To reheat, add chicken stock to a skillet, cover it, and heat on low. Stir often until it’s hot. This method keeps the sauce smooth and prevents it from thickening too much.
While the dish tastes best fresh, reheating can still be enjoyable. Just use the right techniques to maintain flavor and texture.
| Storage Duration | Reheating Method | Nutritional Value (per serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator | Add a splash of chicken stock to a skillet, cover, and heat on low, stirring frequently until hot | Calories: 1111, Carbohydrates: 92g, Protein: 40g, Fat: 64g, Saturated Fat: 30g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g, Monounsaturated Fat: 24g, Cholesterol: 154mg, Sodium: 1454mg, Potassium: 708mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 1504 IU, Vitamin C: 5mg, Calcium: 385mg, Iron: 4mg |
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your sausage pasta dish or smoked sausage pasta even after the first meal.
Conclusion
This 20-minute kielbasa pasta recipe is perfect for busy families. It’s delicious and easy to make. It combines kielbasa’s smoky flavor with creamy cheese and pasta.
It’s a comforting dish that’s quick to prepare. You only need simple ingredients and one pan. It’s great for a weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and fast.
The dish is loved by everyone because of its tender polish sausage, rich cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly or quick dinner. This kielbasa pasta recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
So, why not try this tasty kielbasa pasta dish tonight? It’s a perfect mix of flavors and convenience. Your taste buds and family will be grateful!