Pasta Recipe with Kielbasa

Name: Pasta Recipe with Kielbasa
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 13 ounces kielbasa, (cut into ¼-inch circles); ¾ cup diced yellow onion; ¾ cup diced red bell pepper; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 14.5 ounces petite diced tomatoes, (do not drain); 2 cups chicken stock; ½ cup half & half; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ pound rotini pasta; 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, (shredded); 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

a plate of Kielbasa pasta garnished with green onions

This Pasta Recipe with Kielbasa is a quick, one pot dinner your family will love. Created by expert recipe developers to use just a handful of ingredients and be easy to make, it's perfect for a busy weeknight.

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Table of Contents

Ingredients for Pasta Recipe with Kielbasa
Kielbasa With Pasta Substitutions and Additions
How To Make This Pasta Recipe With Kielbasa
Troubleshooting
How To Serve This Creamy Kielbasa Pasta
How To Store Kielbasa and Noodles
Why This Pasta Recipe With Kielbasa Is The Best
Frequently Asked Questions
More Pasta Recipes For Your Family
JUMP TO RECIPE
Even More Recipes You’ll Love

This Pasta Recipe with Kielbasa brings together smoky kielbasa, tender rotini pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce in a quick and easy one-pan meal. Like so many of our 5-star, one-pan dinners, this recipe combines convenience with delicious flavor. It’s a hearty dinner that doesn’t require you to spend hours in the kitchen.

At Spaceships and Laser Beams, our goal is to create reliable, easy-to-follow recipes that anyone can master. Our food developers and photographers ensure every recipe is presented with authenticity so you can make exactly what you see in our photos.

You can trust us to guide you through creating this delicious dish with confidence. For over 10 years, our team has been committed to accuracy, transparency, and quality in every recipe we publish. We know your whole family is going to devour this Pasta with Kielbasa dinner!

Ingredients for Pasta Recipe with Kielbasa

Pasta Recipe with Kielbasa raw ingredients that are labeled

Kielbasa is a type of cooked smoked sausage, typically made from pork, though it can also include beef or other meat. It’s smoked and seasoned with a variety of spices, such as garlic, pepper, and marjoram, giving it a rich and savory taste.

Kielbasa is a well-loved meat, and it’s usually popular with kids, too, so this recipe is a great choice for easy weeknight dinners.

Our kielbasa and pasta skillet meal combines a few simple ingredients to create a comforting, flavorful dish. It’s an easy recipe with plenty of flavor.

You’ll Need:

2 tablespoons olive oil
13-ounce package of kielbasa (cut into ¼-inch circles)
¾ cup diced yellow onion
¾ cup diced red bell pepper
1 tablespoon minced garlic
14.5-ounce can of petite diced tomatoes (do not drain)
2 cups chicken stock
½ cup half & half
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ pound rotini pasta
1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Kielbasa With Pasta Substitutions and Additions

Sometimes you may need to adjust the recipe based on what you have on hand or personal preferences. Here are some suggestions for ingredient substitutions and additions.

Kielbasa: You can use any smoked sausage in place of kielbasa. For a spicier kick, try andouille or hot Italian sausage. If you prefer a milder flavor, use turkey sausage or even chicken sausage.

When buying kielbasa, we suggest you visit the meat counter at your grocery store or your local butcher. If you have a Polish butcher shop in your neighborhood, they will likely have delicious varieties of kielbasa.

Yellow Onion: If you’re out of yellow onion, you can substitute it with white or red onion. Each type of onion will bring a slightly different taste, but all will work well in this recipe.

Red Bell Pepper: Feel free to use any color bell pepper you have on hand. Green, yellow, or orange bell peppers will add their own unique flavors and colors to the dish.

Minced Garlic: If fresh garlic isn’t available, you can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute. Garlic powder will provide a similar flavor, though it won’t have the same fresh intensity.

Petite Diced Tomatoes: Substitute with a can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies for a bit of heat and extra flavor. Alternatively, you can use fresh diced tomatoes if you prefer a fresher taste, but you might need to add a touch of extra chicken stock.

Chicken Stock: Chicken broth or vegetable stock can be used as a substitute. Beef stock will also work, but it will give a richer flavor.

Half & Half: You can use heavy cream for a richer sauce, or mix cream with a splash of milk to create a consistency that’s similar to half and half.

Rotini Pasta: You can use any type of uncooked pasta noodle you prefer. Penne pasta makes a great substitute for rotini.

If you would like to use cooked pasta, allow the sauce to reduce for about 10-12 minutes, then add the pasta at the end, just long enough to heat them through.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Feel free to use any cheese you like. Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a spicy pepper jack can add different flavors to the dish.

Green Onions: Chives can be substituted for green onions, or you can omit the green onion all together.

Seasoning: Italian seasoning makes a nice addition to this dish. Use it in place of, or as well as, the other seasonings in this recipe.

How To Make This Pasta Recipe With Kielbasa

Making this Pasta Recipe with Kielbasa is straightforward and rewarding. With just a bit of preparation and careful cooking, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes.

Let’s get started with our step-by-step guide (full of helpful photos) to ensure everything turns out perfectly.

PRO TIP: Gather all your ingredients before you begin. This includes preparing the sliced kielbasa, dicing the yellow onion and red bell pepper, and mincing the garlic. Having everything prepped and ready will make the cooking process smoother and a lot more fun.

STEP ONE: In a large skillet with deep sides, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the kielbasa. You should hear a sizzle when the sausage hits the pan. Cook for two to three minutes, and allow the sausage to brown and crisp around the edges. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning.

PRO TIP: Kielbasa is pre-cooked, so you just want to heat your sausage through and brown the edges for even more flavor.

STEP TWO: Once the kielbasa is browned, add the diced yellow onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another three to four minutes, stirring frequently. The vegetables should become soft and translucent.

diced yellow onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic added to the skillet

PRO TIP: Keep an eye on your skillet to be sure it isn’t getting too hot. You want the vegetables to soften, but not burn. Turn the temperature down if necessary.

STEP THREE: Add the petite diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken stock, half & half, salt, black pepper, and uncooked rotini pasta to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.

petite diced tomatoes, chicken stock, half & half, salt, black pepper, and uncooked rotini pasta added to the skillet

STEP FOUR: Turn the stove down and let the mixture simmer for 12-14 minutes, stirring often. This ensures that the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the skillet. The liquid should reduce, and the pasta should reach an al dente texture.

STEP SEVEN: Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts completely, creating a creamy sauce. The cheese will blend into the sauce, making it rich and flavorful.

shredded sharp cheddar cheese stirred into the sauce

STEP EIGHT: Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the pasta just before serving. They add a fresh, slightly peppery finish that complements the dish.

PRO TIP: If the pasta absorbs too much liquid and the dish becomes too thick, add a small splash of warm chicken stock to achieve your desired consistency.

Troubleshooting

This kielbasa and pasta dish is an easy meal for a busy weeknight and comes together quickly.

However, since kitchens vary, our recipe developers and testers provided even more helpful tips for you:

Cook the kielbasa well: Make sure the skillet and oil are hot before adding the kielbasa. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. This is what brings out the best flavors in the kielbasa.
Greasy kielbasa: If your kielbasa seems greasy after you cook it, you can blot it with clean paper towels to remove any excess.
Pasta sticking to the skillet: If your pasta is sticking, stir it! Then, remember to stir the pasta frequently while it simmers to prevent it from sticking.
Sause is too thick or too thin: You can control the consistency of your pasta sauce by adding more chicken stock if it’s too thick, or by cooking a bit longer to reduce if it’s too thin. When adding liquid to your pasta during the simmering period, make sure you warm it up beforehand so you don’t reduce the temperature too much.
Get a good cheesy melt: Cheese will melt best if you remove the pan from the heat before adding it. Stir continuously to fully incorporate it in.

How To Serve This Creamy Kielbasa Pasta

After spending just 30 minutes making this cheesy kielbasa pasta, you’ll want to enjoy it in the best possible way.

Classic Family Dinner: Serve the pasta in large bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of extra chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Pair it with a tasty side salad with a light vinaigrette to add some freshness to the meal.

Casual Get-Together: For a casual get-together, serve the pasta straight from the skillet in the center of the table. Provide grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes for topping, and add a basket of garlic bread or warm baguette slices with olive oil bread dip to complete the meal.

Pasta Bake: Turn this dish into a baked pasta casserole by transferring it to a baking dish, topping it with more shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese, and baking at 375°F until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This is a great way to serve it for a potluck or family gathering.

Drink Pairing: Pair your pasta with a glass of crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For a fresh non-alcoholic version, a fizzy, fruity drink like our Party Punch is a delicious choice.

Dessert: Finish this hearty meal with a light dessert like a Cool Whip fruit salad or a scoop of strawberry sorbet.

Our savory kielbasa sausage pasta recipe is ideal for a family dinner, a potluck, or even a holiday buffet. The creamy pasta, fresh veggies, and browned sausage are sure to be a hit!

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How To Store Kielbasa and Noodles

Our one pot kielbasa pasta makes really yummy leftovers! Here’s how to store it so it stays fresh.

MAKE AHEAD: While you can prep the vegetables and slice the kielbasa beforehand, we suggest making this dish fresh if you’re serving it for dinner. Store the prepared ingredients in separate containers in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

IN THE FRIDGE: To store leftovers in the fridge, let the pasta cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. The pasta will stay fresh for up to three days.

IN THE FREEZER: Once the dish has cooled completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.

HOW TO REHEAT:

Stovetop: Place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of chicken stock. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap, and heat on high for one to two minutes, stirring halfway through. Add more time as needed until fully heated.

Why This Pasta Recipe With Kielbasa Is The Best

There’s a lot to appreciate about this Pasta Recipe with Kielbasa. The simple flavors ensure it’s a hit with the whole family!

Here’s why we know you’ll love it:

Quick and Easy: This 30-minute recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast.

One-Pan Convenience: We love that everything cooks in a single skillet for fewer dishes.

Flavorful Combination: The combination of smoky kielbasa, tender pasta, and creamy cheese sauce is cozy and delicious.

Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, or include a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dish.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and make sure your kielbasa is gluten-free. Gluten free pasta may take a bit longer to cook, so you might need to add a bit more chicken broth.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

To make it dairy-free, use a plant-based cream instead of half & half and dairy-free cheese.

What vegetables can I add or substitute in this recipe?

You can add or substitute bell peppers with other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.

What can I use instead of kielbasa?

You can use any smoked sausage, such as andouille or turkey sausage, to suit your taste preferences.

This Pasta Recipe with Kielbasa is a quick and satisfying meal that cooks up in a single pot. It’s a perfect complete meal for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, you’ll love this cheesy kielbasa pasta recipe.

a skillet of Kielbasa pasta garnished with green onions

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