Quick and comforting, Creamy Kielbasa Pasta combines smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a rich cream cheese sauce. Ready in 35 minutes!
There’s just something about kielbasa that takes me straight back to my childhood. My mom used to slice it up, toss it with some noodles and butter, and call it dinner. It wasn’t fancy, but it was pure comfort food. Fast forward to today, and I’ve given that simple memory a bit of a glow-up with this Creamy Kielbasa Pasta. The first time I made it, I had one of those “why didn’t I think of this sooner?” moments. It’s the kind of recipe that feels special but is ridiculously easy to make. Bonus? It’s a total crowd-pleaser. My kids practically lick their plates clean every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe?
- One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes mean more time to relax after dinner. Who doesn’t love that?
- Quick and Easy: On the table in just 35 minutes, start to finish.
- Velvety Cream Sauce: Made with cream cheese for that ultra-luxurious texture.
- Family-Friendly: It’s hearty, flavorful, and appeals to all ages.
Ingredient Notes:
When you’re working with simple ingredients, every choice matters. Here’s what you need to know:
- Kielbasa Sausage: Its smoky, savory flavor is the backbone of this dish. Use a good-quality one for the best results.
- Pasta: Penne works like a charm, but feel free to swap in rotini, rigatoni, or even bowtie pasta.
- Cream Cheese: This is what makes the sauce creamy and indulgent. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium is your friend here—it keeps the dish from getting too salty.
- Oil: A neutral option like canola is great, but olive oil adds a nice depth of flavor.
How To Make Creamy Kielbasa Pasta?
Cooking this Creamy Kielbasa Pasta is almost as comforting as eating it. Here’s how it’s done:
Step 1: Sauté the sausage and onions
Grab a large pot and heat some oil over medium heat. Toss in the sliced kielbasa and thinly sliced onions. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sausage will brown, and the onions will get all soft and sweet. It smells amazing.
Step 2: Add pasta, broth, and water
Now, pour in the dry pasta, chicken broth, and water. Give everything a good stir. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 12–14 minutes. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t clump together.
Step 3: Make it creamy
Once the pasta is al dente, it’s time for the magic. Add the cubed cream cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce. If it feels too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.
Step 4: Serve and enjoy
Spoon this creamy goodness into bowls and serve hot. A sprinkle of parsley or Parmesan on top never hurts, right?
Want To Save This Recipe?
Storage Options:
Leftovers? Lucky you! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to revive the creamy sauce. Freezing isn’t ideal—the cream cheese sauce can get a little funky—but hey, you probably won’t have leftovers anyway.
Variations and Substitutions:
Feeling creative? Here’s how you can mix things up:
- Switch the Sausage: Try smoked turkey sausage, chorizo, or even chicken sausage for a twist.
- Add Veggies: Broccoli, spinach, or peas would be perfect here.
- Spice It Up: Love heat? Toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Go Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta—it works like a charm!
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap the cream cheese for a plant-based alternative and use unsweetened almond milk.
What to Serve with Creamy Kielbasa Pasta?
This Creamy Kielbasa Pasta is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you’re feeling fancy, pair it with:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up that creamy sauce.
- Side Salad: Something crisp and tangy, like a Caesar salad, balances the richness.
- Steamed Veggies: Asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts make a great side.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Short pastas like rigatoni, shells, or even macaroni will work beautifully.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best fresh. If you’re making it ahead, add a bit of broth when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
100%. The creamy sauce and smoky kielbasa make it a hit with kids. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies, too!
This Creamy Kielbasa Pasta is everything you want in a comfort meal—quick, easy, and downright delicious. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this dish is a winner. Try it out and let me know: does it bring back memories for you, too? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Creamy Kielbasa Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil canola, olive, or vegetable
- 13 ounces kielbasa sausage sliced into bite-sized pieces (1 large link)
- ½ cup white onion thinly sliced (approximately 1 medium onion)
- 8 ounces penne pasta or any short pasta, dry
- 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1½ cups water
- 8 ounces cream cheese cubed
Instructions
Prepare the Sausage and Onion
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the oil, followed by the sliced kielbasa and onions. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and the onions are softened.
Incorporate the Pasta and Liquid
- Add the dry pasta to the pot, followed by the chicken broth and water. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. Ensure there is a small amount of residual liquid in the pot after cooking to mix with the cream cheese.
Create the Creamy Sauce
- Once the pasta is cooked al dente, reduce the heat to low and add the cubed cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted and combined with the remaining liquid to form a creamy sauce.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired. This pasta is best enjoyed immediately, but leftovers can be stored as outlined below.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
