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- 8 ounces penne pasta - 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup frozen peas - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) When I prepare creamy kielbasa pasta, I gather all my ingredients first. This way, I can work smoothly and enjoy the cooking process. I always use penne pasta because its shape holds the creamy sauce well. The kielbasa sausage adds a rich, smoky flavor. You want slices that are not too thick, so they cook evenly. Having olive oil on hand helps in browning the sausage. I love using onion and garlic as my base. They add so much flavor and aroma to the dish. The heavy cream and chicken broth create that luscious creamy sauce. I like to add Dijon mustard for a hint of tang. The garlic powder and Italian seasoning enhance the flavor profile. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. For the final touch, I often sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top. It melts beautifully into the sauce. I finish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. These ingredients work together to make a delightful dish. You’ll find creamy kielbasa pasta perfect for any weeknight dinner. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling 8 ounces of penne pasta in a large pot of salted water. This step is key for great flavor. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means it should have a slight bite. To check, taste a piece a minute or two before the time is up. When it's done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of sliced kielbasa sausage. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it turns golden brown. This adds a nice flavor to the dish. You can use a non-stick skillet for even cooking. After the kielbasa is browned, toss in 1 medium diced onion and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté these for an additional 3-4 minutes. The onion should be soft and fragrant before you move on. Now, let’s make the sauce. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth into the skillet, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Then, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. This step allows all the flavors to blend nicely. Stir occasionally to keep the sauce smooth. Add 1 cup of frozen peas to the sauce and stir until they are warmed through. Then, toss the drained pasta into the skillet. Mix it all well so the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese. This cheese adds creaminess and a rich flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy kielbasa pasta! To get the right creamy sauce, start with the heavy cream. If your sauce feels too thick, add some chicken broth. This will help thin it out. If you want more flavor, try adding spices. A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of red pepper flakes can really boost the taste. When it comes to kielbasa, I prefer using brands like Hillshire Farm or Johnsonville. They have great flavor and quality. Cook the kielbasa until it gets nice and brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. This brings out the best taste and texture. For side dishes, a simple salad or garlic bread pairs well with creamy kielbasa pasta. You could also serve steamed broccoli for some crunch. For drinks, a chilled white wine or sparkling water complements the creamy dish perfectly. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Kielbasa: Choosing a good quality kielbasa will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly. Look for natural casings and minimal additives for the best taste. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the dish for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them alongside the onion. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream and substitute with half-and-half or even milk for a lower-fat option. Leftover Tips: This pasta dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce. {{image_2}} You can swap kielbasa with other meats or plant-based options. Chicken or turkey works well if you prefer leaner meats. For a vegetarian dish, try using meat alternatives like tempeh or seitan. If you're looking for a lighter option, consider low-calorie cream. You can use unsweetened almond milk or light coconut milk. These swaps keep the dish tasty while making it healthier. To boost flavor, add vegetables. Bell peppers bring a sweet crunch, while spinach adds a nice touch of color and nutrition. Simply sauté them with the onion and garlic for a few minutes. For a flavor kick, try smoked paprika or chili flakes. A pinch of smoked paprika adds depth, while chili flakes give it a nice heat. Adjust the amounts to fit your taste. You don’t need to stick with penne. Fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle can change the dish's look and feel. Each shape holds the sauce differently and offers a unique texture. Keep in mind that cooking times can change. Smaller shapes like fusilli cook faster, while larger ones like rigatoni need a bit more time. Always check the package for exact cooking instructions. To keep creamy kielbasa pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. This method helps prevent drying out or picking up other food odors. Place the container in the fridge. When stored this way, the dish stays good for about three to four days. After that, the flavors may fade, and the texture may change. Always check for any off smells or changes before eating. If you want to freeze creamy kielbasa pasta, start by letting it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. This dish can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if it seems too thick. Stir well until heated through, and enjoy your delicious meal again! Yes, you can make creamy kielbasa pasta ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, reheat it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to help revive the creaminess. Stir gently until heated through. To add heat to your creamy kielbasa pasta, consider these options: - Add red pepper flakes while cooking the onions and garlic. - Stir in diced jalapeños or other hot peppers. - Use spicy kielbasa for an extra kick. These tweaks can make your dish more exciting and flavorful. Creamy kielbasa pasta pairs well with several side dishes: - A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. - Garlic bread for a crunchy texture. - Steamed broccoli or green beans for added nutrition. These sides balance the richness of the pasta and enhance your meal. You can make a vegetarian version by replacing kielbasa with: - Sliced mushrooms for a meaty texture. - Plant-based sausage for a similar taste. To maintain creaminess, use a non-dairy cream or cashew cream. This way, you keep the rich flavor while making it plant-based. This blog post covered creamy kielbasa pasta, highlighting key ingredients and steps. You learned how to cook penne and kielbasa, create a creamy sauce, and assemble the dish. I shared tips to enhance flavors and offered variations to fit your tastes. In closing, this recipe is simple and versatile. Whether you use kielbasa, chicken, or veggies, you can enjoy a delicious meal. Don’t hesitate to try different shapes of pasta or add extra spices. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Creamy Kielbasa Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring kielbasa sausage and peas.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned and heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the kielbasa. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the frozen peas to the sauce and stir until warmed through.
  • Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, mixing well until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for an added burst of flavor and color.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.
Keyword creamy, kielbasa, pasta, quick meal