Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, easy-to-make dinner that combines bold flavors with creamy goodness, you’re going to absolutely love this Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe. I discovered this gem when I wanted something hearty but simple, and since then it’s become a family favorite that I turn to often on busy weeknights. Stick around because I’m sharing all my best tips to make sure your version turns out perfectly cheesy, delicious, and packed with sausage-y goodness!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with ingredients you can easily find at the grocery store, and they balance each other so well — rich sausage, tangy tomatoes, and plenty of melted cheese. When I shop for this dish, I like to grab good-quality kielbasa and fresh garlic for that extra flavor punch.

• Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin to sauté the kielbasa and onions without overpowering flavors.
• Kielbasa sausage: Sliced kielbasa is key here; I’ve also used turkey kielbasa for a leaner option and it works great.
• Diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth; yellow onions work best for this dish.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic makes a big difference compared to pre-minced or powdered.
• Italian seasoning: This blend brings herbs and spices together for that classic Italian vibe.
• Reduced-sodium chicken broth: I prefer reduced sodium so I can control the saltiness better as the cheese adds salt too.
• Diced Italian tomatoes: The seasoning inside these canned tomatoes adds a little extra magic; plain diced tomatoes can also work.
• Milk: I generally use 2%, but you can substitute skim or whole milk depending on your preference.
• Uncooked penne pasta: Penne holds sauce well, but any similar pasta shapes like rigatoni or ziti will do.
• Ground black pepper: Freshly ground gives better flavor, but pre-ground works as well.
• Shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives great melt and flavor; you can switch to all cheddar if you prefer.

Variations

One of the reasons I love this Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to your liking. I’ve played around with a few variations depending on what I have in the fridge or dietary preferences.

• Spicy Kick: Adding red pepper flakes or swapping regular kielbasa for spicy sausage really amps up the flavor — my family loves the added heat.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in some chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms when you add the onions for an easy, extra-nutritious touch.
• Dairy-Free: Swap out the cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use almond or oat milk instead; I’ve tested this and it still tastes delicious.
• Cheese Swap: Try mozzarella or a smoky gouda to switch up the cheesiness — I like how mozzarella melts super smooth.

How to Make Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Kielbasa and Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your sliced kielbasa and diced onions, cooking and stirring regularly for about 4 minutes until the sausage turns lightly browned and the onions soften. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen starts smelling amazing and the sausage has some nice color but hasn’t crisped up completely. This step is important because it builds the base flavor of the dish.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Italian Seasoning

Next, stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Keep the heat at medium and cook for just 30 seconds, stirring constantly. This step wakes up the spices without burning the garlic, which would make your dish bitter. You’ll want that fragrant aroma to infuse the sausage and onions.

Step 3: Combine Liquids, Pasta, and Seasoning

Pour in the chicken broth, canned diced Italian tomatoes (with their juices), and milk. Add the uncooked pasta and sprinkle in the ground black pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine. This creates the creamy cooking liquid your pasta will absorb. It’s important to use enough broth and milk here so the pasta cooks perfectly without drying out.

Step 4: Cook Pasta Until Al Dente

Turn the heat up to bring everything to a boil, then reduce to medium-low and cover the pan. Let it cook gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You’ll want to check the pasta to make sure it’s tender but still has a little bite – that’s the perfect “al dente” texture. This is my favorite part because the pasta soaks up all those delicious flavors as it cooks.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese

Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese until it’s fully melted and creamy. This step turns the whole dish into a luscious, cheesy masterpiece. Give it a taste and season with extra salt and pepper if needed. I usually add a pinch more salt here because the cheese brings lots of flavor.

How to Serve Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top — they add a pop of color and a fresh bite that balances the richness. Sometimes, I like a little shredded Parmesan on top too, just for that cheesy punch and a touch of saltiness.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are also great for soaking up any leftover sauce. My go-to side is a simple roasted vegetable medley — super easy and adds plenty of nutrients.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to present the pasta in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, then broiled till golden and bubbly. It looks fancy but takes no extra effort. You can also serve it family-style in a big colorful bowl, garnished with fresh herbs for a cozy dinner vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find this dish reheats beautifully — just add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up when warming it gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Freezing

Freezing works well if you want to batch cook. I freeze the pasta in freezer-safe containers without cheese, and add the shredded cheese fresh when reheating. This keeps the cheese melting creamy rather than clumpy after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally, and adding a little milk or broth to keep it creamy. For microwave reheating, cover loosely and stir halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe has been such a reliable go-to in my kitchen for quick, comforting meals that taste like you put in way more effort than you did. I love how the sausage and cheese come together to make a rich, satisfying dish that everyone—kids and adults alike—can enjoy. If you’re looking for something cozy and fuss-free that you can whip up any night of the week, this is it. Give it a try, and I’ll bet it becomes a favorite for your family too!

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