Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta

Picture this: you’ve had a long day at work, maybe squeezed in a workout, and now you’re standing in the kitchen, hungry and tired, wondering what to make for dinner. You want something that feels cozy and indulgent but doesn’t take an hour of chopping, stirring, and juggling pans.

This recipe is the perfect marriage of smoky, savory kielbasa sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce that hugs every bite. It’s got all the comfort of mac and cheese but with a grown-up twist that feels a little fancier without adding extra effort.

Unlike plain pasta dishes that can sometimes feel bland or one-dimensional, kielbasa brings a bold, garlicky smokiness that transforms this simple meal into something that tastes like it came out of a restaurant kitchen. The best part? It all comes together in about 30 minutes, so you can have a hearty, satisfying dinner on the table faster than it takes to order takeout.

For busy women balancing careers, social lives, and maybe even family responsibilities, this dish is the kind of recipe that doesn’t just feed you – it rescues you. It’s indulgent enough to satisfy those comfort food cravings, but it also has protein and veggies tucked inside so you don’t feel guilty going back for seconds.

Pro Tip: Make a double batch and you’ll have lunch sorted for the next day – trust me, it tastes just as good (if not better) reheated.

The magic of kielbasa in pasta dishes

Kielbasa is a Polish sausage known for its garlicky flavor and smoky richness. When paired with pasta, it adds an instant upgrade compared to traditional chicken or beef. According to Statista, Americans consume over 60 pounds of sausages per person annually, and kielbasa is one of the most versatile varieties.

Pro Tip: Because kielbasa is pre-cooked, it cuts down cooking time significantly, perfect for weeknight meals.

Ingredients you’ll need

Here’s what you’ll need to make a rich, creamy, cheesy kielbasa pasta.

• 300g pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best)
• 14 oz (400g) kielbasa sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Pro Tip: Swap cheddar for gouda if you want an extra smoky flavor.

Step-by-step instructions

This cheesy kielbasa pasta recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a go-to meal for weeknights. Each step builds layers of flavor, so the final dish is smoky, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying.

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Fill a large pot with water, about 4–5 quarts, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add a good amount of salt, around 1 tablespoon. Pro Tip: The water should taste like the sea. This is the only chance you get to season the pasta itself, which makes a big difference later.

Once the water is boiling, add your pasta of choice (penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best for holding the creamy sauce). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until al dente, which means the pasta is cooked through but still slightly firm when you bite into it.

Before draining, scoop out about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside. This will come in handy later if the sauce is too thick. Drain the pasta completely and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the kielbasa

While the pasta is cooking, place a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter. Once hot, add the sliced kielbasa sausage. Spread the slices out so they aren’t overcrowded, this ensures they brown evenly instead of steaming.

Cook each side for 3–4 minutes until golden brown with slightly crisp edges. Browning the kielbasa not only gives it an irresistible texture but also releases smoky oils into the pan, which will add depth to the sauce later.

Once browned, transfer the kielbasa to a plate and set aside, leaving any flavorful oil behind in the skillet.

Step 3: Build the flavor base

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and starting to caramelize slightly. This step adds sweetness and balances the richness of the cheese sauce.

Next, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables and stir to coat. This creates a roux, which is the base that will help thicken your sauce later. Cook the flour for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw taste.

Step 4: Make the cheese sauce

Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly as you go. Adding the liquid gradually prevents lumps and ensures a silky-smooth sauce.

Continue whisking and simmering for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce begins to bubble and thicken. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.

Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, a handful at a time. Stir until fully melted and smooth before adding the next handful. The cheddar brings a sharp, tangy flavor while the mozzarella adds that gooey, stretchy texture we all love.

Season the sauce with smoked paprika for depth, plus salt and black pepper to taste. Give it a quick taste test and adjust if necessary.

Pro Tip: If your sauce thickens too much, simply add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. The starchy water helps the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta.

Step 5: Combine everything

Add the drained pasta and browned kielbasa back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together with a large spoon or spatula until the pasta is evenly coated and the sausage is distributed throughout.

Let it cook for 1–2 minutes more so the flavors meld together. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy.

Pro Tip: Want to take it up a notch? Transfer everything into a casserole dish, top with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly. It’s the perfect way to turn this into a hearty baked pasta dish for family dinners.

Variations to try

One of the best parts of cheesy kielbasa pasta is how customizable it is.

• Spicy kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red chili flakes.
• Extra veggies: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• One-pot version: Skip pre-cooking the pasta. Instead, simmer dry pasta directly in the sauce with extra broth until tender.
• Lighter version: Use half-and-half cheese and swap kielbasa for turkey sausage.

Why this recipe works

Cheesy kielbasa pasta works because it layers flavor at every step. Browning the sausage releases smoky oils, sautéing the vegetables adds sweetness, and the creamy cheese sauce ties everything together. It’s indulgent but balanced, with protein, carbs, and even veggies in one dish.

Nutritional breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~480
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbs: 46g
• Fiber: 3g

Pro Tip: Pair with a simple green salad to keep the meal lighter while still feeling indulgent.

Serving ideas

Cheesy kielbasa pasta is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the meal with:

• Garlic bread or a crusty baguette
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans
• A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio
• A side salad with lemon dressing

Storage and reheating

This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep.

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, add a splash of milk when warming in the microwave or skillet.
• Avoid freezing, as cheese sauces can separate.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Not browning the sausage: This step adds flavor and texture.
• Using pre-shredded cheese: It doesn’t melt as smoothly due to anti-caking agents.
• Skipping the flour: Without it, the sauce won’t thicken properly.

FAQs

Final thoughts

Cheesy kielbasa pasta is one of those recipes you’ll crave again and again. It’s comforting, quick, and endlessly customizable. Perfect for nights when you need something warm, filling, and just a little indulgent.

Next time you’re staring into the fridge wondering what to cook, grab that kielbasa and whip up this cheesy pasta masterpiece. Dinner will be ready in no time, and you’ll have a new favorite comfort food in your back pocket.

Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta

5

from

1

votes

Course: PastaCuisine: American, Polish-inspiredDifficulty: Easy

Servings

1

serving

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

930

kcal

A single-serving bowl of cheesy kielbasa pasta that’s creamy, smoky, and perfectly satisfying. This quick comfort food is ready in just 20 minutes — ideal for solo dinners or an easy lunch.

Ingredients

• 75g pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)

• 3.5 oz (100g) kielbasa sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds

• ½ tbsp olive oil or butter

• ¼ small onion, diced

• ½ clove garlic, minced

• ¼ red bell pepper, diced

• ½ tbsp all-purpose flour

• ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)

• ¼ cup chicken broth

• ⅓ cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 tbsp shredded mozzarella cheese

• Pinch (⅛ tsp) smoked paprika

• Pinch of salt (about ⅛ tsp)

• Pinch of black pepper (a few cracks)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

• Cook the pasta
  Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve a splash of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
• Brown the kielbasa
  In a skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the kielbasa slices in a single layer and cook 2–3 minutes per side until browned and caramelized. Remove and set aside.
• Build the flavor base
  In the same skillet, sauté onion and red bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds. Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat, cooking for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
• Make the cheese sauce
  Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Reduce heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and creamy. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Combine everything
  Add the cooked pasta and browned kielbasa back into the skillet. Toss until evenly coated. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.