Description
Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta is a hearty and flavorful one-pan dish that combines savory sliced kielbasa, tender penne pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce with Italian-seasoned tomatoes. This comforting meal is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, delivering a delicious blend of smoky sausage and creamy cheese in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 14 ounce can diced Italian tomatoes
- ½ cup milk (any type from skim to whole milk)
Pasta and Seasoning
- 8 ounces uncooked penne or similar pasta
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese
Instructions
- Heat the oil and cook kielbasa and onions: Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and diced onions, cooking while stirring regularly for about 4 minutes until the kielbasa is lightly browned and the onions are softened.
- Add garlic and Italian seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for 30 seconds while stirring continuously to release the flavors and aromas.
- Add liquids, pasta, and seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth, diced Italian tomatoes, milk, uncooked penne pasta, and ground black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil on medium heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the pasta to cook until al dente and absorb the flavors.
- Finish with cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Add the shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese and stir until it melts and blends smoothly into the dish, creating a creamy cheesy sauce.
- Season to taste and serve: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting cheesy kielbasa pasta meal.
Notes
- Kielbasa can be substituted with a similar sausage such as turkey kielbasa for a leaner option.
- You can increase the amount of Italian seasoning if you prefer a stronger herb flavor.
- Using reduced-sodium chicken broth helps control the salt content in the dish.
- Italian seasoned diced tomatoes add extra flavor, but plain diced tomatoes can also be used.
- Any type of milk from skim to whole milk works for this recipe.
- Cheddar cheese can be used instead of Cheddar-Jack if preferred.
- Nutrition values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
