Description
Creamy kielbasa pasta brings hearty Polish-inspired comfort right to dinner tables with minimal cleanup. Savory sausage, tender pasta, and rich sauce combine into a satisfying meal that quickly becomes a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
Starches:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
Dairy and Seasonings:
- 1 ½ cups (170 grams) shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
- ½ cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
Herbs and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra parmesan cheese
Cooking Fat:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Sear the kielbasa in a heated skillet with olive oil, developing a rich golden-brown exterior on each side. Transfer the browned sausage to a separate plate, reserving the flavorful drippings.
- Within the same pot, sauté diced onions until they become translucent and softened. Introduce minced garlic, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, allowing the spices to bloom and release their aromatic essence.
- Create a luxurious cooking liquid by combining chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking to ensure a smooth integration. Nestle the pasta into this creamy base, allowing it to simmer gently under a covered lid. Stir periodically to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Once the pasta reaches an al dente consistency, reduce the heat and incorporate cheddar and parmesan cheeses along with butter. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt into a velvety sauce. Return the reserved kielbasa to the pot, coating each piece thoroughly with the creamy mixture.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile. Finish the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and an additional sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the pasta remains warm and inviting.
Notes
- Opt for high-quality kielbasa with robust flavor to elevate the entire dish’s taste profile.
- Consider using smoked or spicy kielbasa varieties for an extra flavor kick that complements the creamy sauce.
- Select short pasta shapes like penne or rotini that capture the sauce perfectly and provide better texture.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version without compromising richness.
- Keep the pasta slightly undercooked initially since it continues cooking in the creamy liquid, preventing mushy texture.
- Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for smoother melting and more intense flavor development.
- Transform this recipe into a gluten-free option by replacing regular pasta with chickpea or rice pasta alternatives.
- Create a vegetarian version by substituting kielbasa with plant-based sausage or roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Polish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg