Kielbasa Pasta: My kielbasa pasta is a one-pot dish of savory sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy, tomato-infused sauce that promises to delight your taste buds.
This Polish sausage pasta dish isn’t just an easy weeknight dinner —it’s a comforting hug in a bowl that’s sure to please everyone at the table. So grab your Dutch oven and let the flavors of this heartwarming meal bring smiles all around your dinner circle!
Looking for more spicy sausage recipes? You could try this Kielbasa and Cabbage in the Instant Pot for an easy-to-make one-pot recipe. Or, for another spicy alternative, try my Instant Pot Cajun Pasta.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family favorite: This cheesy kielbasa pasta recipe is a hit with both kids and adults. It’s got that cheesy pasta goodness that children love, while adults appreciate the robust flavors and the feeling of a full, satisfied tummy.
- Versatile: I often switch up the cheeses or throw in different veggies that I have in the fridge, making each time a new adventure in taste. It’s the perfect recipe to get those creative kitchen juices flowing!
- Leftover magic: If, by some miracle, there are leftovers, they taste even better the next day. The flavors meld and intensify, making lunchtime the highlight of your workday!
Ingredients Needed
I’ve highlighted a couple of simple ingredients with relevant notes. Other than this, the ingredients needed are pretty basic.
- Kielbasa – For that deep, smoky flavor we all adore, you can’t go wrong with a good kielbasa. Here’s a little tip: if you want to add an extra zing to your dish, try lightly searing the kielbasa before you toss it into the mix.
- Onion and Pepper Mix – Keep a bag of this frozen mix on hand, and you’ll always be ready to add a pop of color and nutrients to your meals. It’s a no-chop, no-fuss shortcut that catapults your cooking from simple to spectacular.
- Rotel Tomatoes – These little gems, which contain green chilies, bring a sassy kick to the table! Add them at any stage of the cooking process for a bit of cheeky boldness that will wake up your taste buds.
- Butter – We use unsalted for this recipe but you can use salted if you prefer. Just remember that you may want to reduce the amount of salt the recipe calls for if using salted butter.
- Cream – Double (heavy) cream is best. Make sure it’s at room temperature if added in when cold, it will cause the caramel to split.
*Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list & instructions!*
Substitutions
Sometimes substitutions are necessary because of ingredients that are unavailable or needed for dietary restrictions. Here are some suggestions that can help:
- Kielbasa – No kielbasa sausage? No problem! Try smoked sausage, bratwurst, or even turkey sausage for a lighter take that still packs a punch of flavor.
- Rotel Tomatoes – If Rotel tomatoes aren’t on hand, dice up some fresh tomatoes and add a small can of green chilies. You’ll get that same vibrant taste that makes the dish pop!
- Bowtie Pasta: Any type of pasta shape will work, be it fusilli, shells, or penne pasta. It’s just a fun way to play with texture and make each bite interesting!
- Cheddar Cheese – Feeling adventurous with the cheese? Swap cheddar out for Monterey Jack for a melty, creamy experience or a mild Colby for a softer flavor profile. You can’t go wrong here—cheese is the glue that holds our culinary dreams together!
Variations
Variations to a recipe are like adding your own personal riff to a favorite song – it’s where the magic happens! Here are some fun twists you can try:
- Go Veggie: Swap the kielasa for some hearty portobello mushrooms or eggplants for a vegetarian twist that still delivers on flavor.
- Cheese, Please: Try adding a scoop of ricotta for a creamy spin, or sprinkle on some mozzarella and put it under the broiler for a few minutes for a bubbly, golden topping that’s irresistibly Instagram-worthy.
- Spice it Up: For those who like a little fire in their forkful, slice in some jalapeños or sprinkle on red pepper flakes to turn up the heat.
- Garden Fresh: With spring in full bloom, why not fold in some fresh spinach, bell peppers, or arugula right at the end? It adds a pop of color and a dash of freshness that elevates the whole experience.
How to Make Kielbasa Pasta
This Kielbasa pasta is broken into 2 components:
- Make the sauce
- Cook the pasta and combine
STEP 1: Heat a Dutch Oven. Let it get nice and hot. Then, pop in a splash of oil, followed by the sausage, onions, and peppers. Let them sizzle undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to get that beautiful browning.
STEP 2: Stir the ingredients. Give everything a good stir and let it cook for about five minutes more until the sausage is mostly browned and those peppers and onions are nice and tender.
STEP 3: Add seasoning. Sprinkle in the parsley, oregano, salt, and garlic or some Italian seasoning, and mix them in well.
STEP 4: Add tomatoes. It’s time for the Rotel tomatoes. Pour them in and stir, making sure to scrape up all those tasty browned bits from the bottom.
STEP 5: Simmer, then add pasta. Turn down the heat to medium-low and pour in the broth and cream. Wait for it to start bubbling gently, then welcome the pasta into the pot.
STEP 6: Cook the pasta. Cover it and let it cook for 10-15 minutes. Peek in occasionally to stir things around and prevent any stickiness.
STEP 7: Add the cheese. Test the pasta to make sure it’s cooked to your liking, then take the pot off the heat. Now for the grand finale – stir all that cheese into the cooked pasta.
STEP 8: Add greens. For a bit more color and fresh crunch, throw some chopped green onions over the top as a garnish.
Recipe Pro Tips
- Patience is Key: Resist the urge to stir the pot too frequently. Allowing it to cook uninterrupted means more deliciously crisp edges on your sausage and vegetables.
- Stock Matters: Opt for a good quality stock—it’s the secret to a rich, deeply flavored sauce. Home-made or your go-to brand will work wonders here.
- Cheese Choices: For creaminess, freshly grated cheese blends that are smoother than pre-shredded varieties which often contain anti-caking agents.
- Divine Leftovers: If you’ve got extra servings, let the flavors mingle overnight. Pasta dishes like this one often taste even better the next day.
- Pasta Pointers: When combining your pasta with the sauce, undercook it by a minute or two—it’ll continue to absorb and will not get mushy.
- Herb Hints: Fresh herbs can truly transform a dish. If you have them, use them. If not, dried herbs work, but remember they’re more potent, so use them sparingly.
Recipe FAQs
Sure thing! You can definitely prepare your veggies and sausage in advance. Keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to start cooking. The cheese sauce
can also be made ahead and gently reheated when it’s time to mix with pasta.
Absolutely! It’s super flexible. Gluten-free pasta can be swapped in for a wheat-free option, and there are amazing dairy-free cheeses out there if you’re avoiding dairy. Just keep in mind to check the labels on your sausage as well for any hidden gluten or dairy.
I usually go for heavy cream
because it brings a lovely richness. But if you’re after something a bit lighter, half-and-half will still give you creaminess without the same level of fat.
Remember, the pasta will continue to cook once you’ve added it to the sauce. To keep the perfect bite, cook it ‘al dente
‘ – firm to the bite – then it’ll be just right by the time you’re ready to serve.
What to Serve with Kielbasa Pasta
When you’ve got a savory stunner like this Kielbasa pasta on your table, you might be wondering what to pair it with to round off this easy meal. Well, how about a light and crunchy garden salad? It’s a cinch to whip up, and the crisp freshness is the perfect counterbalance to the pasta’s rich, hearty flavors.
And for those extra toasty nights, why not chill some zesty lemonade to enjoy alongside? It’s like a little sunshine in a glass – and so ridiculously easy! Whether you’re gathering with family or having a cozy dinner for two, these simple additions turn your dinner time into a feast.
Storage
Stashing away leftovers is a breeze. Simply let the pasta cool down, then transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for about 3-4 days – perfect for those not-a-cooking-kind-of-night nights.
This pasta freezes like a champ. Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container. I like to leave a little space at the top because it’ll expand slightly once frozen.
When you’re ready for a re-run, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove to bring back that just-cooked deliciousness.
🍝 More Pasta Recipes You’ll Love
For a simple meal that will feed the whole family, try this Easy Sausage Pasta Bake. Or, for a recipe that is packed with flavor and tons of color, try this Zesty Italian Pasta Salad Recipe.
Did you make this? I’d be so grateful if you left a “star” rating below to let me know what you thought! Then, the next time you need a quick and easy recipe, come back to Fantabulosity to browse all of my easy recipes!
Recipe
Kielbasa Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Cooking Oil
- 14 Ounce to 1 Pound Kielbasa Sausage Sliced into Rounds
- 1 Cup Frozen Onion and Peppers Mix
- ½ Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Parsley
- 1 Teaspoon Oregano
- 10 Ounce Can Rotel Tomatoes
- 2 Cups Chicken Broth
- ½ Cup Heavy Cream
- 8 Ounces Bowtie Pasta Uncooked
- 1 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- Optional: ⅓ Cup Green Onion Sliced
Instructions
- Heat a Dutch Oven over medium high heat until hot. Once hot add in 1 tablespoon of oil, then add the sausage and onions and peppers. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes before stirring to allow the sausage to brown.
- Stir, cooking for an additional five minutes until most of the sausage is brown, and peppers and onions are softened.
- Next add in the parsley, oregano, salt, and garlic. Stir to combine.
- Add the Rotel tomatoes, stir well. As you are stirring, scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium low then add in the broth and the cream. Bring to a simmer then stir in the pasta.
- Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the noodles are done remove from heat and stir in all of the cheese.
- If desired, garnish with green onions.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Nikki says
This looks yummy! I love fast & easy toddler-friendly meals!
Megan says
This looks delish!
Jessica says
Awww! Thank you! It was mighty scrumptious, if I say so myself! 😉