If you’re looking for a hearty, soul-warming dish that’s both easy to make and insanely delicious, you’re in the right place. This Cheesy Kielbasa Pastapermalink Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something comforting but without the fuss. It’s loaded with flavorful kielbasa, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy cheesy sauce that even picky eaters will gobble up. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your weeknight dinner lineup.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Wonder: You’ll only need one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Packed with Flavor: The kielbasa brings a smoky, savory twist that pairs perfectly with the cheesy sauce.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this, and it’s great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.
Flexible Ingredients: You can easily swap sausages or cheese to suit your tastes or what’s on hand.

The image shows a close-up of a creamy pasta dish in a white pan on a white marbled surface. The dish has three main layers: a base layer of short, tube-shaped penne pasta in a pale yellow color, mixed evenly with slices of browned sausage pieces that are round with a slightly crispy texture on the edges, and small chunks of red tomatoes scattered throughout. The top layer is a thick, orange-colored creamy sauce that coats the pasta, sausage, and tomatoes fully, creating a rich and smooth texture. A wooden spoon is partially visible in the pan, lifting some pasta and sausage, with a woman's hand holding the spoon carefully. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta, Kielbasa Pasta recipe, easy sausage pasta, creamy kielbasa pasta dinner, weeknight comfort food

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Kielbasa Pastapermalink Recipe plays a role in building that rich, balanced flavor. From the smoky kielbasa to the creamy blend of cheese and milk, everything comes together beautifully. When shopping, look for a kielbasa that’s fresh and has good smokiness for that extra depth.

Flat lay of a simple white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a neat pile of sliced kielbasa sausage with a rich reddish-brown color, a small mound of diced white onion, two whole cloves of garlic with papery skin intact, a tiny white bowl holding dried Italian seasoning herbs, another small white bowl with creamy milk, a cluster of uncooked penne pasta with smooth, pale yellow tubes, a small white bowl filled with bright red diced Italian tomatoes, a small white bowl of light golden reduced-sodium chicken broth, a small white bowl containing ground black pepper, a generous pile of shredded orange and white Cheddar-Jack cheese, all arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta, Kielbasa Pasta recipe, easy sausage pasta, creamy kielbasa pasta dinner, weeknight comfort food

Olive oil: Use extra virgin for better flavor, and it helps brown the kielbasa nicely.
Kielbasa sausage: I recommend sliced kielbasa for quick cooking and that irresistible smoky taste.
Diced onion: Adds a subtle sweetness that complements the sausage perfectly.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic wakes up the whole dish with its aromatic punch.
Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs like oregano and basil creates that familiar Italian flair.
Reduced-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish flavorful without overpowering saltiness.
Diced Italian tomatoes: These bring a juicy tang and a touch of herbs right into the sauce.
Milk: Any type works here; whole milk gives the sauce a richer creaminess.
Uncooked penne (or similar pasta): I like penne because its tubular shape holds onto the sauce well.
Ground black pepper: Freshly cracked gives the best flavor pop.
Shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese: The star that makes this recipe irresistibly cheesy and melty.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Cheesy Kielbasa Pastapermalink Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. It’s really forgiving and perfect for putting your own spin on.

Swap the kielbasa: I sometimes use turkey kielbasa or even smoked sausage to lighten things up without sacrificing flavor.
Cheese choices: Mixing in mozzarella or even pepper jack can add a fun twist of creaminess or a little heat.
Add veggies: I’ve thrown in chopped bell peppers or spinach for an extra boost of color and nutrition.
Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes never hurts for those who like a kick.

How to Make Cheesy Kielbasa Pastapermalink Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Kielbasa and Soften the Onion

Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the sliced kielbasa and diced onion, stirring regularly for about 4 minutes. You want to see the sausage lightly browned; that browning adds so much flavor, trust me. Just keep an eye so the onions soften and become translucent without burning.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasoning

Next, toss in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring continuously so the garlic doesn’t burn but releases all its aroma. This little step makes a huge difference in flavor depth.

Step 3: Combine Broth, Tomatoes, Milk, Pasta, and Pepper

Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (don’t drain the juice because it adds flavor), milk, and uncooked pasta. Season with black pepper. Bring everything to a boil—it’ll look like a lot of liquid—and don’t worry, the pasta soaks it all up.

Step 4: Simmer Until the Pasta is Perfect

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender but still has a nice bite. This no-drain method keeps all those flavors locked in the sauce, which is why I love this recipe so much.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese and Finish

After turning off the heat, stir in the shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese right away. It melts creamy and smooth, coating every bit of pasta and sausage. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed—remember, the kielbasa and broth already bring some saltiness, so adjust carefully.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Kielbasa Pastapermalink Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta during simmering; stirring occasionally prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
Use Reduced-Sodium Broth: This lets you control the salt more easily, so your meal isn’t too salty after adding sausage and cheese.
Get a Good Sear on Kielbasa: Browning the sausage adds a smoky depth that really brings this dish to life.
Melt Cheese Off Heat: Stirring cheese in once the heat is off prevents it from getting grainy or oily.

How to Serve Cheesy Kielbasa Pastapermalink Recipe

Cheesy Kielbasa Pastapermalink Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I almost always sprinkle a handful of fresh chopped parsley or basil on top. Not only does it add a fresh pop of color, but the herbs brighten up the rich, creamy flavors. Sometimes a little grated Parmesan adds that extra salty cheese note too!

Side Dishes

This dish is filling on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables. I’m a fan of crispy garlic bread on the side—it’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual dinners, I serve it straight from the skillet for that warm, “come and eat” vibe. For special occasions, plating in individual bowls with a drizzle of good olive oil and a sprinkle of chili flakes makes it feel a bit more festive. I even tried baking it with an extra cheese layer on top until golden for a cozy baked pasta version—delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it stays tasty for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens up a bit overnight, which I actually like because it helps the flavors meld even more.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta recipe a couple of times with good results. Just cool completely before freezing in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce and keep that creamy texture. Microwaving works too but add milk because cheese can firm up when cooled.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage instead of kielbasa?

Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible—you can swap kielbasa for smoked sausage, bratwurst, or even turkey sausage depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking time if needed to ensure the sausage is heated through and nicely browned.
Is it necessary to use milk in the recipe?

The milk adds creaminess and helps create a luscious sauce, but you can replace it with cream or even a non-dairy milk if you prefer. Just keep in mind that whole milk gives the best balance of richness and lightness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and double-check that your kielbasa and broth don’t contain any gluten additives. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking while cooking?

Stir the pasta occasionally as it simmers and make sure you have enough liquid in the skillet. The one-pot method here is forgiving, but don’t let it cook dry—you want a saucy texture, not dry pasta.
How can I make this recipe spicier?

Adding red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning or choosing a spicy kielbasa will give your pasta a nice kick. You can also finish with a drizzle of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños for extra heat.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cheesy Kielbasa Pastapermalink Recipe comes together in under 40 minutes with great taste and minimal fuss. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you want something comforting without endless prep. When I first tried this, I didn’t expect it to become such a go-to, but now my family asks for it regularly! I hope you enjoy cooking and eating it as much as we do—give it a whirl and see why it’s so darn irresistible.