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Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta

Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta
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Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta is a quick, comforting one-pot meal combining smoky kielbasa sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, this hearty dish balances rich flavors and easy preparation, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Customizable with your favorite veggies and cheeses, it delivers bold, satisfying taste in every cheesy bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage

  • 12 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

  • 8 oz penne or rotini pasta

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Aromatics

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

Liquids

  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Seasonings & Garnishes

  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep and Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water for the sauce.
  2. Brown the Kielbasa: Slice the kielbasa into bite-sized pieces, then brown them in a large skillet over medium-high heat until nicely caramelized, about 5 minutes. This develops the smoky, rich flavor essential to the dish.
  3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. These aromatics build the base flavor for the creamy sauce.
  4. Make the Cheesy Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese blend. Stir constantly until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, luscious sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
  5. Combine and Finish: Add the cooked pasta and browned kielbasa back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly with the cheesy sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta; aim for al dente to prevent mushiness after mixing with sauce.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and creaminess.
  • Reserve some pasta water to help the sauce cling nicely and stay smooth.
  • Brown the kielbasa well to bring out complex smoky flavors.
  • Melt the cheese slowly over medium heat to avoid a grainy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy kielbasa pasta, quick pasta recipe, one pot pasta, weeknight dinner, comfort food, kielbasa sausage recipe, creamy pasta

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