Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta

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Are you looking for a quick and tasty meal? Cheesy kielbasa pasta might be just what you need. This one-pan dish takes only 35 minutes to make and serves 6 people. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling and flavorful.

The recipe uses simple ingredients like kielbasa, pasta, cheese, and spices. You’ll love how the smoky sausage pairs with the creamy sauce. Plus, cleanup is easy since everything cooks in one pan. Give this cheesy kielbasa pasta a try for your next family dinner!

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty cheesy kielbasa pasta:

• 12 oz kielbasa, sliced into rounds
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 8 oz uncooked penne pasta
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Green onions, sliced (for garnish)

This recipe serves 6 people and takes about 35 minutes to make. It’s a filling meal with 530 calories per serving.

You’ll love how easy it is to throw together. Most of these items are probably already in your kitchen! If not, a quick trip to the store will get you set up for a yummy dinner.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced kielbasa and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned. Remove kielbasa and set aside.

Using the same pan, cook diced onion for 3 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring often.

Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and drained diced tomatoes. Stir well. Add uncooked penne pasta, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like spice.

Bring the mixture to a boil. Then lower the heat, cover the pan, and simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir now and then until the pasta is tender.

When pasta is cooked, mix in cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and creamy. Add the cooked kielbasa back to the pan and mix everything together.

Serve your cheesy kielbasa pasta in bowls. Top with sliced green onions for extra flavor and color. Enjoy your easy, one-pan meal!

Possible Substitutes List

Can’t find kielbasa? No worries! You’ve got options to keep your pasta dish tasty. Here are some sausages you can use instead:

• Andouille sausage: Adds a spicy Cajun kick
• Chorizo: Brings a bold, smoky flavor
• Italian sausage: Offers a classic, herby taste
• Bratwurst: Provides a milder, juicy alternative
• Chicken sausage: A lighter option with less fat

Don’t forget, you can mix things up with the pasta too. Try rotini, fusilli, or farfalle if you’re out of penne. They’ll catch the sauce just as well.

For a veggie twist, swap the meat for sliced mushrooms or plant-based sausages. They’ll soak up all those yummy flavors.

No heavy cream? Use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch. It’ll still be creamy and delicious.

Feel free to play with the cheeses too. Gouda, mozzarella, or fontina can stand in for cheddar. Each will give your dish its own unique taste.

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

To make this cheesy kielbasa pasta more diabetes-friendly, you can try a few simple swaps. Use whole wheat penne instead of regular pasta for more fiber and slower digestion. Pick a low-fat kielbasa to cut down on saturated fat.

Replace the heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk. This will lower the calorie and fat content. For the cheese, opt for reduced-fat versions of cheddar and Parmesan.

You can boost the veggie content by adding diced bell peppers or zucchini. This adds nutrients and fiber without many extra carbs. Consider using less pasta and more veggies to further reduce the carb count per serving.

Watch your portion sizes too. Stick to about 1 cup of the finished dish per serving. Pair it with a big side salad to fill your plate without spiking your blood sugar.

These tweaks will make the meal more balanced for those managing diabetes. You’ll still get to enjoy the tasty flavors, just in a more blood sugar-friendly way.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For the best cheesy kielbasa pasta, use high-quality kielbasa. The smoky flavor really shines in this dish. Slice it evenly for even cooking.

Don’t overcook the pasta. Check it a minute or two before the suggested time. You want it al dente, with a slight bite.

Feel free to swap the penne for your favorite pasta shape. Rotini or fusilli work great too!

To make this dish creamier, add an extra 1/4 cup of heavy cream. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture.

You can freeze this pasta for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Try these tasty add-ins:

• Frozen peas (add in the last 2 minutes of cooking)
• Sliced mushrooms (sauté with the onions)
• Chopped spinach (stir in at the end)

For extra flavor, sprinkle some crispy bacon bits on top before serving. Yum!