Creamy & Flavorful Kielbasa Pasta with a Rich Garlic Parmesan Sauce
A hearty and creamy kielbasa pasta skillet dish with a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, packed with smoky sausage, tender pasta, and optional greens for a well-rounded meal.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing Spoon
- Pot for Boiling Pasta
- Colander
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz pasta penne, rotini, or rigatoni
- 1 lb kielbasa sausage sliced into rounds
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved (optional)
For the Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter version
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional for spice
Final Additions
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup 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, 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 the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta and kielbasa back to the skillet. Stir in Parmesan cheese and spinach, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm. Enjoy with extra Parmesan on top!
Notes
For an extra creamy texture, add ¼ cup cream cheese to the sauce. Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.