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4.9 from 324 votes

Creamy Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta

This Creamy Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta is perfect for a cozy night or when you're trying to whip up something quick and delicious for dinner. The combination of kielbasa, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce is simply irresistible. It's the ultimate comfort food that will leave you feeling satisfied and happy. It is so versatile; you can switch up the pasta shape or try different types of cheese or sausage to make it your own.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 678 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

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 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoon flour
  • 1½ cups low sodium chicken broth (see note 2)
  • 1½ cups half and half/single cream
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon dried chives
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1½ cup cheese shredded (see note 3)
  • ½ cup parmesan grated (see note 4)

Instructions

Cook the pasta
    Cup of Yum
  1. 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
  2. Once cooked, reserve 1½ cups of the pasta cooking liquid and drain the pasta.
While the pasta is cooking.
  1. Heat the olive oil in a heavy-based skillet over medium-high heat.2 tbsp olive oil
  2. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook over high heat for 2 minutes.14 oz / 400 g smoked kielbasa
  3. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.1 small onion2 cloves garlic
  4. Sprinkle over the flour and stir to coat the onion and sausage.2 tbsp flour
  5. Slowly add the broth in small amounts, stirring with every addition.1½ cups / 360 ml low sodium chicken broth
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and ½ cup of the reserved cooking water.
  9. 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

  • Any pasta shape will work here. We like to use penne or rigatoni, but you can use your family's favorite shape.
  • I use a low-sodium chicken broth, but you can use vegetable or beef broth/sock instead.
  • Any good melting cheese will work. I usually go for Cheddar or Colby.
  • Store-bought pre-grated parmesan can leave your sauce grainy, so buying a block of parmesan and grating it yourself to get a luscious, smooth sauce is better.

Nutrition Information

Calories 678kcal (34%) Carbohydrates 80g (27%) Protein 46g (92%) Fat 40g (62%) Saturated Fat 18g (90%) Polyunsaturated Fat 4g Monounsaturated Fat 12g Cholesterol 119mg (40%) Sodium 719mg (30%) Potassium 571mg (16%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 10g (20%) Vitamin A 982IU (20%) Vitamin C 37mg (41%) Calcium 513mg (51%) Iron 12mg (67%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 678

% 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.