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I always whip up this ultra-cheesy kielbasa pasta in one pan when I want something warm and filling but don't want a pile of pots to clean. Smoky sausage, creamy sauce, and tender noodles all come together super fast with barely any effort or dishes to deal with later.
The first chilly night I threw this together, I had no idea it’d be my go-to for a fast yummy dinner. These days it’s in heavy rotation because everyone at home is hooked on this combo.
Tasty Ingredients
- Thinly sliced scallions: Sprinkle over the finished dish for a bright crunchy bite. Check for crisp greens at the store.
- Shredded Cheddar cheese: Melts into a rich gooey layer on top. Buy a fresh block to grate for best results.
- Salt and pepper: Add a little at a time and taste as you cook to get it just how you like.
- Milk or heavy cream: Makes the sauce super creamy. Use whichever you have or how rich you want it.
- Dry small pasta: Short shapes like penne, elbows, or rotini pick up the sauce perfectly.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds tang that cuts through the richness. Pick a can with no extra sugar or salt.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Brings everything together and keeps it nice and moist.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is best for a big flavor boost.
- Onion: Adds natural sweetness. Firm, fresh onions make the best base for this.
- Smoked kielbasa or turkey or chicken sausage: You want a hearty sausage here that’ll crisp up when sliced and browned.
- Olive oil: Stops sticking and helps onions and sausage cook up just right. Pick extra virgin for more flavor.
Dreamy Step-by-Step
- Top it off with cheese and scallions:
- Scatter the last handful of cheese over, pop a lid on, and let it sit so the top gets gooey and cheesy. Finish with a rain of fresh scallions, then dig in while it's hot.
- Turn off the stove and melt in the cheese:
- Turn off the heat, toss in half your shredded cheese, and give it a good stir to make a rich, creamy sauce. Keep the rest for the top.
- Let everything simmer:
- Add the broth, diced tomatoes, milk or cream, dry pasta, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to make sure the pasta’s just covered. Lower the heat and simmer about fifteen minutes, stirring now and then so nothing sticks and pasta cooks all the way through.
- Give the garlic a quick sizzle:
- Sprinkle in garlic, then stir and cook for about thirty seconds just until it smells amazing. This pumps up the garlic flavor in every bite.
- Sauté sausage and onions:
- Toss in the kielbasa and onions together. Cook about five minutes so the onions soften and the sausage gets some nice golden bits on the edges for max flavor.
- Start by heating up your pan:
- Set a big skillet over medium-high and pour in olive oil. Get it nice and hot but not smoky before you start.
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I always get a kick out of seeing the cheese bubble on top, and honestly, I’ll sneak extra pieces of crispy sausage for myself. My kids battle over the last cheesy bit, and everyone ends up eating a solid meal every single time.
Leftovers and Warm-Ups
Let everything cool off, then stash any extra portions in sealed containers in the fridge for three days max. Best way to reheat is gently in a skillet with a splash of milk until it gets creamy again. This keeps the noodles from drying out and the cheese stretchy. Skip the microwave if you want that melty effect.
Easy Ingredient Switches
Switch things up by trying spicy chorizo or andouille for more kick. Out of cheddar? Use Monterey Jack or mozzarella instead. You can swap in whatever small pasta you’ve got like shells or spirals. Want more veggies? Toss in spinach or bell pepper with the onions right as you start cooking.
What Goes Great With It
The smell alone makes this pasta so tempting you barely need sides. I usually throw together a quick side salad with some lemon or steam up green beans. For bigger crowds, crusty bread is perfect to mop up every last bit. It always gets rave reviews at home or when friends drop by.
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Backstory for the Dish
Kielbasa is a classic Polish sausage, usually smoked and simply seasoned so it plays well with creamy, tangy sauces like this one. Throwing everything in the same pot to cook is a traditional European move, making life easier and dinner tastier. It’s the perfect way to get a homey meal without a lot of trouble.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is it okay to swap in different sausages?
Yep, use turkey or chicken sausage if that's what you've got. Any smoked sausage you like is great.
- → What's the best pasta for this?
Penne and rotini are awesome — they grab onto that cheesy sauce and sausage bits really well.
- → How do I turn up the heat?
Try some spicy sausage or shake in red pepper flakes. Make it as hot as you want.
- → Can I prep this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cook it before, store it, and gently reheat. Add a splash of milk if it gets thick.
- → What can I use if I'm out of cream?
Milk works fine or go with half-and-half. Non-dairy milk is good, too, if you can't do dairy.
- → How should I keep leftovers?
Let it cool, pop it in an airtight container, and keep it in the fridge for up to three days.