This Creamy Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta is perfect for a cozy night or when you're trying to whip up something quick and delicious for dinner. The combination of kielbasa, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce is simply irresistible. It's the ultimate comfort food that will leave you feeling satisfied and happy. It is so versatile; you can switch up the pasta shape or try different types of cheese or sausage to make it your own.
Bring a large pan of water to a boil. Add the salt and cook the pasta for 1 minute less than the packet instructions.1 tablespoon salt12 oz/ 340g pasta
Once cooked, reserve 1½ cups of the pasta cooking liquid and drain the pasta.
While the pasta is cooking.
Heat the olive oil in a heavy-based skillet over medium-high heat.2 tbsp olive oil
Add the sliced kielbasa and cook over high heat for 2 minutes.14 oz/ 400g smoked kielbasa
Add the chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.1 small onion2 cloves garlic
Sprinkle over the flour and stir to coat the onion and sausage.2 tbsp flour
Slowly add the broth in small amounts, stirring with every addition.1½ cups/ 360ml low sodium chicken broth
Add the cream, oregano, dried thyme, dried chives, and black pepper, then bring to a simmer for 2 minutes.1½ cups/ 360ml half and half/single cream¼ teaspoon dried oregano¼ teaspoon dried thyme¼ teaspoon dried chives¼ teaspoon black pepper
Gradually sprinkle over the shredded cheese and grated parmesan. Stir after each addition until it has all melted. Let the sauce simmer on very low heat until your pasta is cooked.1½ cup/ 170g cheese½ cup/ 50g parmesan
Add the drained pasta to the sauce and ½ cup of the reserved cooking water.
Stir the pasta gently until it's coated in the sauce, and cook everything for 1 minute, tossing gently. Add more pasta cooking water if the sauce gets too thick.
Notes
Any pasta shape will work here. We like to use penne or rigatoni, but you can use your family's favorite shape.
I use a low-sodium chicken broth, but you can use vegetable or beef broth/sock instead.
Any good melting cheese will work. I usually go for Cheddar or Colby.
Store-bought pre-grated parmesan can leave your sauce grainy, so buying a block of parmesan and grating it yourself to get a luscious, smooth sauce is better.