Savor the fusion of smoky, rich Kielbasa and velvety cream sauce in our Creamy Kielbasa Pasta, where every bite promises comfort and irresistible flavor. Get ready to elevate your pasta game with this indulgent and satisfying dish!
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Creamy Kielbasa Pasta is a weeknight lifesaver, combining smoky sausage with a rich, creamy sauce in minutes. My kids can’t get enough of it, making it a go-to dish when hunger strikes fast.
I always keep kielbasa in the fridge—it’s my secret weapon for hearty pasta nights. From Spicy Pumpkin Pasta to Tuna Pesto or even Truffle Pasta, pasta is always a winner in our house. While I love dishes like Anchovies and Shrimp Pasta or Boursin Cheese Pasta, kielbasa brings a smoky comfort that’s hard to beat.
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History of Kielbasa
Kielbasa, a smoked sausage with origins in Poland and surrounding regions, has long been a staple in Central and Eastern European cuisine. Its versatility and hearty flavor have made it a beloved ingredient in countless dishes, from stews and soups to grilled creations and, of course, pasta.
🥘Ingredients
- Rigatoni Pasta (or pasta of your choice): Rigatoni's ridges and large tubes make it perfect for capturing and holding the rich sauce, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor and texture.
- Garlic and Onion: Fragrant garlic and onion serve as aromatic foundations, infusing the dish with depth and complexity.
- Jar of Marinara Sauce: Convenient and flavorful, a jar of marinara sauce provides the base for this dish, saving time without compromising on taste.
- Heavy Cream: Adding luxurious creaminess, heavy cream elevates the sauce to velvety perfection, coating every morsel of pasta in indulgent richness.
- Sugar: A touch of sugar balances the acidity of the marinara sauce, enhancing its flavor profile and achieving a harmonious taste.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory, nutty flavor and a creamy texture to the sauce, creating a decadent finish that enhances the overall richness of the dish.
- Beef Powder or Beef Cube: Adding depth and richness, beef powder or a beef cube infuses the sauce with savory umami notes, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Parsley for Garnish: Fresh parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and a hint of freshness to the finished dish, enhancing its visual appeal and providing a delightful finishing touch
See recipe card for quantities.
🔪How to Make Kielbasa Pasta
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta (or pasta of your choice) and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Kielbasa and Aromatics: While the pasta is cooking, slice the kielbasa sausage into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the garlic and onion.
- Sauté the Kielbasa and Aromatics: In a large skillet or pan, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa sausage and cook until lightly browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked kielbasa from the skillet and set aside. Leave any drippings in the skillet.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet with the kielbasa drippings, add the chopped garlic and onion. Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add the Marinara Sauce and Seasoning: Pour the jar of marinara sauce into the skillet with the sautéed aromatics. Stir to combine, then add the beef powder or beef cube (if using) to enhance the flavor. Season with a touch of sugar to balance the acidity of the sauce. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add the Heavy Cream and Kielbasa: Once the sauce has simmered and thickened slightly, pour in the heavy cream, stirring until well combined. Return the cooked kielbasa to the skillet, stirring to incorporate it into the sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet with the creamy kielbasa sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Divide the creamy kielbasa pasta among serving plates. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for added flavor and freshness.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your Creamy Kielbasa Pasta while it's hot and comforting!
💡Substitutions
Here are some substitutions for the Creamy Kielbasa Pasta recipe:
- Pasta: Feel free to use any type of pasta you have on hand, such as penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine. Gluten-free pasta can also be substituted for a gluten-free version of this dish.
- Kielbasa: If you don't have kielbasa sausage, you can substitute it with other types of sausage, such as Italian sausage or chorizo. For a vegetarian option, you can use plant-based sausage or omit the sausage altogether and add extra vegetables instead.
- Marinara Sauce: If you prefer homemade sauce or have a different type of pasta sauce available, such as tomato basil or arrabbiata, you can use that instead of marinara sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Half-and-half or whole milk can be used as a substitute for heavy cream if you're looking for a lighter option. Alternatively, you can use coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
- Sugar: Honey or maple syrup can be used as substitutes for sugar to balance the acidity of the sauce. Adjust the amount to taste.
- Parmesan Cheese: If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can substitute it with grated Romano or Asiago cheese. For a dairy-free option, you can use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan cheese alternative.
- Beef Powder or Beef Cube: If you prefer, you can omit the beef powder or beef cube altogether. Alternatively, you can use vegetable bouillon or broth for added flavor, or omit it for a lighter dish.
📖Variations
- Spicy Cajun Kielbasa Pasta: Add Cajun seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a smoky, spicy kick.
- Vegetable-Loaded Kielbasa Pasta: Toss in sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach for a nutrient-packed twist.
- Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Bake: Mix in extra cheese, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden and bubbly.
- Garlic Parmesan Kielbasa Pasta: Swap the cream sauce for a garlic butter and Parmesan blend for a lighter yet flavorful option.
- Kielbasa Alfredo with Broccoli: Replace the pasta sauce with creamy Alfredo and add steamed broccoli for a classic comfort combo.
What to Serve With This?
- Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread adds a perfect crunch and helps to soak up the savory sauce from the kielbasa pasta.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The caramelized, slightly bitter flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts complements the smoky, savory kielbasa for a balanced meal.
- Caesar Salad: A Caesar salad with its creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, and Parmesan cheese pairs well with the hearty, flavorful pasta dish.
- Steamed Broccoli: Light and nutritious, steamed broccoli provides a fresh, simple side that balances the richness of the pasta and kielbasa.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and slightly charred grilled corn adds a summer-inspired twist that pairs well with the savory, smoky flavors in the dish.
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Creamy, cheesy, and hearty, making it a comforting addition to the meal.
- Green Bean Casserole: A classic dish with creamy mushroom sauce and crispy onions that pairs well with the pasta.
- Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw made with a vinegar or creamy dressing cuts through the richness of the pasta, adding a refreshing element to the meal.
- Potato Salad: A creamy or mustard-based potato salad complements the kielbasa and adds a hearty, comforting side to your pasta dish.
- Sauteed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach with garlic brings a healthy, earthy flavor that balances the heaviness of the kielbasa pasta.
- Cucumber Salad: A fresh, vibrant cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness pasta.
👉Storage
Refrigeration: Allow any leftover pasta to cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat the pasta in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated to your liking.
💭Top tip
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality kielbasa sausage, fresh mushrooms, and flavorful marinara sauce to ensure the best taste in your dish.
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente to ensure it maintains its texture and doesn't become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Use Heavy Cream Wisely: Be cautious when adding heavy cream to the sauce, as too much can make it overly rich. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preference.
💭Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Homemade marinara sauce would add a wonderful depth of flavor to this dish. Feel free to use your favorite homemade recipe.
To make this dish dairy-free, you can use a plant-based heavy cream alternative or substitute it with coconut cream. You can also omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
This pasta pairs well with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Yes! You can make a vegetarian version of this dish by omitting the kielbasa sausage and using vegetable broth or bouillon instead of beef powder or beef cube.
Yes, you can freeze any leftover pasta following proper storage guidelines. Make sure to cool the pasta completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags.
Kielbasa is a specific type of sausage originating from Poland, typically made with pork, while "sausage" is a broad term encompassing various types of seasoned and ground meats encased in a casing, often differing in flavor profiles and regional influences.
Kielbasa traditionally contains pork as its main meat ingredient, though variations may include beef or a combination of pork and beef.
Bratwurst (brats) and kielbasa are both types of sausage, but they originate from different culinary traditions. Bratwurst is a German sausage typically made with pork, veal, or beef, and often flavored with spices like nutmeg and white pepper. Kielbasa, on the other hand, is a Polish sausage usually made with pork and seasoned with garlic and other spices. While both are delicious, they have distinct flavors and ingredients based on their respective cultures.
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📋 Recipe
Creamy Kielbasa Pasta
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 skillet or large pan
Ingredients
- 12 ounce Rigatoni pasta
- 1 14 oz Kielbasa smoked sausage sliced
- 1 15 oz Marinara Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese shredded
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon beef powder
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta (or pasta of your choice) and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, slice the kielbasa sausage into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the garlic and onion.
- In a large skillet or pan, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa sausage and cook until lightly browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked kielbasa from the skillet and set aside. Leave any drippings in the skillet.
- In the same skillet with the kielbasa drippings, add the chopped garlic and onion. Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Pour the jar of marinara sauce into the skillet with the sautéed aromatics. Stir to combine, then add the beef powder or beef cube (if using) to enhance the flavor. Season with a touch of sugar to balance the acidity of the sauce. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Once the sauce has simmered and thickened slightly, pour in the heavy cream, stirring until well combined. Return the cooked kielbasa to the skillet, stirring to incorporate it into the sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet with the creamy kielbasa sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Divide the creamy kielbasa pasta among serving plates. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for added flavor and freshness.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Creamy Kielbasa Pasta while it's hot and comforting!
Save For Later! 💌
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Notes
- Opt for high-quality kielbasa sausage, fresh mushrooms, and flavorful marinara sauce to ensure the best taste in your dish.
- Cook the pasta just until al dente to ensure it maintains its texture and doesn't become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Be cautious when adding heavy cream to the sauce, as too much can make it overly rich. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preference.
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