Description
This Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta is a quick and comforting one-pan meal combining flavorful kielbasa sausage, pasta, and a creamy cheesy sauce infused with Italian seasoning and diced tomatoes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it blends savory sausage with tender penne and melted Cheddar-Jack cheese for a satisfying dish that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 14 ounce can diced Italian tomatoes
- ½ cup milk
- 8 ounces uncooked penne or similar pasta
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the ingredients.
- Cook Kielbasa and Onion: Add sliced kielbasa and diced onion to the skillet. Cook while stirring regularly for about 4 minutes until the sausage is lightly browned and the onion softens.
- Add Garlic and Italian Seasoning: Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for 30 seconds while stirring continuously to release their flavor without burning.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in reduced-sodium chicken broth, diced Italian tomatoes, milk, uncooked pasta, and ground black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed the flavors.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Add the shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese and stir until it melts fully and blends into the sauce for creamy texture.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning by adding additional salt and pepper if needed before serving.
Notes
- Kielbasa: You can substitute with a similar sausage, such as turkey kielbasa, for a lighter option.
- Italian Seasoning: Feel free to increase the amount for a more robust herbal flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Using reduced-sodium broth helps maintain control over the dish’s saltiness.
- Italian Tomatoes: Italian seasoned diced tomatoes add extra flavor, but regular diced tomatoes can be used as well.
- Milk: Any kind of milk works, from skim to whole milk, depending on your preference.
- Cheese: You can substitute Cheddar-Jack cheese with plain Cheddar cheese if preferred.
- Nutrition values: Are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient brands.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
