Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that comes together with minimal fuss, I’ve got just the thing for you: my Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe. This dish is one of those easy weeknight winners where hearty sausage meets creamy, cheesy pasta all simmered in a tomato-studded sauce. When I first tried this, it quickly became a family favorite — and honestly, I love it because it feels indulgent without needing hours in the kitchen. Stick around and I’ll walk you through my tips to make it perfectly every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe works together to create a balanced and flavorful dish. The sausage brings a smoky, meaty punch while the Italian seasoning and tomatoes provide a delicious herbaceous base. I always recommend fresh garlic and good-quality cheese — they make a real difference.

• Olive oil: I like using extra virgin for that subtle fruity flavor, but regular olive oil works fine too.
• Kielbasa sausage: Go for a smoked kielbasa if you can; it adds so much savory depth.
• Diced onion: Yellow onions bring sweetness once sautéed, but you can also swap with white or red onion in a pinch.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must for that punch of flavor; garlic powder won’t quite do the trick here.
• Italian seasoning: A simple blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme — feel free to adjust the amount depending on your taste!
• Chicken broth: Reduced sodium helps control the salt levels since the sausage and cheese can be salty.
• Diced Italian tomatoes: These add tang and a touch of sweetness; regular diced tomatoes are fine if that’s what you have.
• Milk: I use whatever’s on hand — from skim to whole — and it all works beautifully.
• Penne pasta: I prefer penne because its ridges grab onto the sauce, but most pasta shapes will do great.
• Ground black pepper: Freshly cracked if possible for a little kick.
• Cheddar-Jack cheese: This combo melts perfectly and adds a creamy, slightly sharp finish.

Variations

I love that this Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe is so adaptable — you can tweak it to suit your mood or what’s in your fridge. Over time, I’ve tried a few variations that I think you’ll enjoy, too!

• Swap the sausage: I’ve swapped in turkey kielbasa or even spicy chorizo for a little extra heat — both come out delicious.
• Make it veggie-packed: Adding chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms is a great way to sneak in veggies and boost the flavor.
• Use different cheeses: I’ve experimented with sharp cheddar alone or even mozzarella for a gooey twist. Mixing cheeses lets you create your favorite cheesy combo.
• Make it creamy and spicy: A splash of cream or a pinch of red pepper flakes gives a different, decadent vibe that my family loves.

How to Make Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Kielbasa and Onions Until Perfectly Browned

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and diced onions, stirring regularly. I like to let the kielbasa get a nice light brown crust—that’s where you get great flavor—usually about 4 minutes. Keep an eye on it so the onions soften but don’t burn.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Italian Seasoning for Aroma

Stir in the minced garlic and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Cook for just 30 seconds while stirring constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn but releases its fragrance. This step always makes my kitchen smell like heaven.

Step 3: Pour in Liquids and Pasta, Then Simmer

Add the chicken broth, diced Italian tomatoes, milk, uncooked pasta, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 4: Stir in Cheese Until Creamy and Combined

Remove the skillet from heat and immediately add the shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese. Stir until the cheese melts fully and the sauce becomes rich and creamy. Taste, then season with extra salt and pepper if you need it. I always recommend tasting here — sometimes you might want a little more kick.

How to Serve Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a bit of fresh chopped parsley or basil on top—it adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness. A light dusting of extra shredded cheese right before serving also never hurts if you want to amp up the cheesiness.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this meal are a crisp green salad dressed with simple vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. Garlic bread is always a winner if you want something indulgent on the side!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in individual mini cast iron skillets—everyone felt like they got a personal, cozy bowl of comfort. You can also sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and it usually stays fresh and tasty for about 3-4 days. Just give it a good stir before reheating so the sauce distributes evenly.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe a couple of times with success! I recommend freezing separate portions in freezer-safe containers. When thawing, do it overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if it seems dry. You can also microwave it covered in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between. That keeps the cheese melty and the pasta from drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s that rare combination of simple, satisfying, and versatile. Whenever I’m in need of a comforting meal that doesn’t require a ton of time or fuss, this is my go-to. I hope you’ll give it a try soon, and let it bring some cheesy, smoky magic to your dinner table just like it does for mine!

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