Description
Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta is a quick and comforting one-pan meal featuring sliced kielbasa sausage cooked with onions, garlic, and Italian seasoning, then simmered with pasta, tomatoes, and chicken broth. Finished with creamy Cheddar-Jack cheese, this hearty dish combines savory sausage flavors with cheesy goodness for a satisfying dinner option perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 14 ounce can diced Italian tomatoes
- ½ cup milk
- 8 ounces uncooked penne or similar pasta
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and allow it to heat up slightly to prepare for cooking the sausage and onions.
- Cook the kielbasa and onions: Add the sliced kielbasa sausage and diced onion to the skillet. Cook while stirring regularly for about 4 minutes, or until the sausage is lightly browned and the onions start to soften.
- Add garlic and seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for about 30 seconds while continuously stirring to release the aromas and flavors.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the reduced-sodium chicken broth, diced Italian tomatoes (with their juice), milk, and uncooked penne pasta. Sprinkle the ground black pepper over the mixture.
- Cook the pasta: Bring the skillet contents to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Incorporate the cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and add the shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese. Stir well until the cheese melts completely and is evenly combined with the pasta and sausage mixture.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately while warm for a delicious, cheesy sausage pasta meal.
Notes
- Kielbasa: Can be substituted with a similar sausage such as turkey kielbasa for a leaner option.
- Italian seasoning: Adjust the amount to your taste preference for a stronger or milder herb flavor.
- Chicken broth: Using reduced-sodium broth helps control the saltiness of the dish.
- Italian tomatoes: These come pre-seasoned; regular diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute.
- Milk: Any type of milk from skim to whole will work in the recipe.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese alone can be used if Cheddar-Jack blend is not available.
- Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on brands and substitutions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
