Description
Kielbasa pasta blends Polish sausage with creamy sauce in a quick weeknight dinner. Hearty ingredients combine for a comforting meal savored by families seeking simple, satisfying cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
- 8 oz (226 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
- 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
- ½ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Kielbasa Searing: Heat skillet with olive oil and brown kielbasa on all sides, creating a caramelized exterior. Remove sausage and retain drippings in the pan.
- Aromatic Base Development: In the same skillet, sauté onions until translucent. Introduce garlic, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, allowing spices to release their fragrant notes and infuse the foundation with depth.
- Pasta Infusion: Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luscious cooking liquid. Submerge pasta and simmer under a covered lid, stirring occasionally to prevent adherence and ensure uniform cooking until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture.
- Cheese Integration: Reduce heat and fold in cheddar and parmesan cheeses along with butter. Stir continuously until sauce transforms into a silky, glossy coating. Reintroduce seared kielbasa, ensuring each piece is generously enrobed in the creamy mixture.
- Final Touches: Season with salt and black pepper to elevate flavor complexity. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an additional parmesan cheese dusting. Serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot and irresistibly creamy.
Notes
- Maximize Kielbasa Flavor: Sear the sausage at high heat to create a caramelized crust, locking in rich, smoky flavors and adding depth to the entire dish.
- Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir frequently during cooking and use enough liquid to ensure each pasta strand cooks evenly without clumping or burning at the bottom of the pot.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Remove the pot from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent separation or graininess, creating a smooth, silky sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap kielbasa for turkey sausage to reduce fat, use gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly version, or substitute lactose-free cheese alternatives for dairy-sensitive diners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Polish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg