Creamy Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
678 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Creamy Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta
Description
This recipe cooks pasta to just under package instructions and reserves pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency. Smoked kielbasa is sautéed in olive oil until slightly caramelized, then onions and garlic are added for savory depth. A flour sprinkle forms a roux, which is slowly combined with low-sodium chicken broth and half-and-half cream, allowing the sauce to thicken while incorporating dried oregano, thyme, chives, and black pepper for gentle herbal undertones.
Shredded cheese and grated parmesan are stirred into the sauce to melt smoothly, resulting in a rich and creamy texture that envelops the pasta. The method highlights the flavor of kielbasa while balancing with dairy and herbs for warmth and depth.
Serving suggestions include any pasta shape, such as penne or rigatoni, which holds the sauce well. This dish serves as a comforting main course with an emphasis on creamy, cheesy textures and smoky meat accents.
Using good quality melting cheeses and freshly grated parmesan improves sauce smoothness. Low-sodium broth keeps saltiness controlled. The recipe's notes recommend specific pasta shapes but allow flexibility.
Ingredients
For the pasta
- 12 oz pasta (see note 1)
- 1 tablespoon salt
For the sauce
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 14 oz smoked kielbasa sliced into ¼ inch slices
- 1 onion finely chopped, small
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon flour
- 1½ cups chicken broth see note 2, low sodium
- 1½ cups half and half or single cream
- ¼ teaspoon oregano dried
- ¼ teaspoon thyme dried
- ¼ teaspoon chives dried
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cup cheese shredded (see note 3)
- ½ cup parmesan grated (see note 4)
Instructions
Cook the pasta
- Bring a large pan of water to a boil. Add the salt and cook the pasta for 1 minute less than the packet instructions.1 tablespoon salt12 oz / 340 g pasta
- Once cooked, reserve 1½ cups of the pasta cooking liquid and drain the pasta.
While the pasta is cooking.
- Heat the olive oil in a heavy-based skillet over medium-high heat.2 tbsp olive oil
- Add the sliced kielbasa and cook over high heat for 2 minutes.14 oz / 400 g smoked kielbasa
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.1 small onion2 cloves garlic
- Sprinkle over the flour and stir to coat the onion and sausage.2 tbsp flour
- Slowly add the broth in small amounts, stirring with every addition.1½ cups / 360 ml low sodium chicken broth
- Add the cream, oregano, dried thyme, dried chives, and black pepper, then bring to a simmer for 2 minutes.1½ cups / 360 ml half and half/single cream¼ teaspoon dried oregano¼ teaspoon dried thyme¼ teaspoon dried chives¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Gradually sprinkle over the shredded cheese and grated parmesan. Stir after each addition until it has all melted. Let the sauce simmer on very low heat until your pasta is cooked.1½ cup / 170 g cheese½ cup / 50 g parmesan
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce and ½ cup of the reserved cooking water.
- Stir the pasta gently until it's coated in the sauce, and cook everything for 1 minute, tossing gently. Add more pasta cooking water if the sauce gets too thick.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape preferred; penne or rigatoni works well.
- Low-sodium chicken broth keeps the sauce from becoming too salty; vegetable or beef broth may be substituted.
- Choose good melting cheeses like Cheddar or Colby for best sauce consistency.
- Grate your own parmesan cheese from a block to avoid grainy sauce from pre-grated types.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 678 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 678kcal | 34% |
| Carbohydrates | 80g | 27% |
| Protein | 46g | 92% |
| Fat | 40g | 62% |
| Saturated Fat | 18g | 90% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Cholesterol | 119mg | 40% |
| Sodium | 719mg | 30% |
| Potassium | 571mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 982IU | 20% |
| Vitamin C | 37mg | 41% |
| Calcium | 513mg | 51% |
| Iron | 12mg | 67% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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