This Creamy Kielbasa and Pasta Recipes Skillet is the perfect quick, warm, ultra-creamy supper you might want! This one-skillet dinner is flavorful, warm, and comfortable with smokey kielbasa, soft pasta, and a creamy garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. It’s also done in just thirty minutes, so it’s the ideal evening meal for a weeknight.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
✔ One-Skillet Wonder : More flavor, fewer dishes!
✔ Ultra Creamy and Cheesy : Every mouthful is coated in a silky garlic-Parmesan sauce.
✔ Easy & Quick : Ready with basic ingredients in only thirty minutes.
✔ Packed with Flavor : The perfect comfort meal created by smoky kielbasa, creamy sauce, and a hint of spice.
✔ Customizable : Add vegetables, switch the pasta, or turn up the heat!
📌 Love pasta? Try out these Instant Pot Pasta Recipes for another quick and easy pasta fix!
Ingredients
For the Pasta Skillet:
- Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or bowtie) : Holds the creamy sauce nicely.
- Kielbasa Sausage (sliced into rounds) : Smoky, juicy, and flavorful.
- Olive Oil : For browning the sausage.
- Diced Onion : Adds a mild sweetness.
- Garlic (Minced) : Essential for a rich garlic flavor.
- Cherry Tomatoes (Halved, Optional) : Adds acidity and brightness.
- Butter : Creates a rich, velvety sauce.
- Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half : The base for the luscious, creamy sauce.
- Chicken Broth : Enhances savory depth and slightly thins the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese : Melts into the sauce for a bold, cheesy bite.
- Smoked Paprika : Adds warmth and complexity.
- Black Pepper & Salt : Enhances the overall flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) : Provides a bit of heat.
- Italian Seasoning : Balances the dish with herbs.
- Spinach or Kale (Optional) : A burst of greens and extra nutrients.
- Fresh Parsley : For garnish and a fresh finish.
👉 The complete ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below!
Making Creamy Kielbasa Pasta Skillet
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Kielbasa
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced kielbasa and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add diced onion and minced garlic.
- Sauté until fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- If using, add cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, mixing well.
- Add Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce just thickens.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked pasta and kielbasa to the skillet.
- Stir in kale or spinach and let it wilt for 2 minutes while the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan. Enjoy!
📌 Looking for a pasta dish with a romantic twist? Try this Marry Me Pasta Recipe!
Expert Advice for the Perfect Kielbasa Pasta
✔ Use Smoked Kielbasa : It enhances the dish with depth and richness.
✔ Keep the Pasta Al Dente : Ensures it holds up in the sauce; avoid overcooking.
✔ Want It Extra Creamy? Add more Parmesan or stir in a little cream cheese.
✔ Spice It Up Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
✔ Lighter Version? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
How to Serve
Though it tastes great on its own, serve this creamy kielbasa pasta with:
🥖 Garlic Bread : Perfect for mopping up the extra creamy sauce!
🥗 Crisp Green Salad : Balances the richness with a fresh crunch.
🥦 Roasted Veggies : Try zucchini, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
Store Ahead and Leftovers
Storing
- Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Reheat over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between.
Freezing
- Not Recommended : The creamy sauce may separate when thawed.
FAQs
1. Can I substitute another sausage?
Absolutely! Try Italian sausage, chorizo, or Andouille for varied flavors.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute dairy-free heavy cream or coconut milk and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
3. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Definitely! This recipe works well with farfalle, fusilli, or even spaghetti.
4. What other vegetables can I add?
Try bell peppers, zucchini, peas, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion
Rich, smoky, cheesy, and bursting with bold flavors, this Creamy Kielbasa Pasta Skillet is the ultimate one-pan dish for a cozy dinner, meal prep, or a quick weeknight favorite. Serve with a salad or garlic bread, and in just 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal! 🍝🔥😋
Creamy Kielbasa Pasta Skillet
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pasta Pot
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta penne, rigatoni, or bowtie
Protein
- 1 lb kielbasa sausage sliced into rounds
Aromatics & Vegetables
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, optional
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter version
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for spice
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp butter
Greens & Garnish
- 1 cup baby spinach or kale optional, for extra greens
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced kielbasa and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in cherry tomatoes (if using) and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta and kielbasa back into the skillet. Stir in spinach, cooking for another 2 minutes until it wilts and the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm. Enjoy with extra Parmesan on top!