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- 8 ounces pasta (penne or your choice) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 12 ounces kielbasa, sliced - 1 cup bell peppers, diced (mixed colors) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - Alternative pasta choices: You can use spaghetti, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta. Each type brings a unique texture and taste. - Low-fat cream options: If you want a lighter dish, use half-and-half or a low-fat cream alternative. This still gives you creaminess but cuts calories. - Vegetables to consider: Feel free to swap bell peppers for zucchini, spinach, or broccoli. These add color and nutrients to your meal. Using fresh, quality ingredients makes your dish shine. Enjoy exploring these options! {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook the pasta, start with a large pot of salted water. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces of your chosen pasta, like penne. Cook it according to the package instructions for the best texture. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Make sure to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. This water is starchy and helps the sauce stick to the pasta later. Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes until it turns soft and translucent. This step adds a sweet flavor. Now, add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Cook it for another minute. The aroma will be wonderful! Then, add 12 ounces of sliced kielbasa to the skillet. Cook it for 5-6 minutes. You want it to brown nicely. Browning adds depth and flavor to your dish. After browning, stir in 1 cup of diced bell peppers. Cook them for 3-4 minutes until they soften. This adds color and sweetness to your pasta. Now it’s time to make the sauce. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning for flavor. Stir everything together. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps it thicken up. As the sauce thickens, season it with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, add the cooked pasta and the reserved pasta water to the sauce. Mix well until everything is coated. Sprinkle ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Stir until it melts into the creamy sauce. Plate your creamy kielbasa pasta and enjoy! To make your creamy kielbasa pasta truly special, focus on the sauce. Use heavy cream for a rich texture. Simmer it gently with the chicken broth. This helps the sauce thicken just right. Timing is key when mixing pasta and sauce. Combine them while the pasta is still warm. This helps the sauce cling better, making each bite creamy and flavorful. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Cook it al dente, not mushy. This keeps it firm and holds up in the sauce. Another issue is a watery sauce. To avoid this, let the sauce simmer longer. This reduces excess liquid and makes the sauce thick and luscious. Serve your creamy kielbasa pasta in a large bowl or individual plates. Top each serving with extra Parmesan cheese. A sprig of parsley adds color and freshness. For side dishes, garlic bread pairs perfectly. A simple green salad also complements this dish well, adding crunch and balance. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Always cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the skillet after browning the kielbasa. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition and color. Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyère or mozzarella for a unique twist on the classic creamy sauce. {{image_2}} You can make this dish even better by adding vegetables. Seasonal veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or asparagus work well. They add color and nutrition. Try adding spinach or kale for some healthy greens. Just stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking. This will keep them bright and fresh. If you want a change from kielbasa, try chicken or shrimp. Cook them in the same way as the kielbasa. You can also use vegetarian options, such as plant-based sausage or tofu. These choices can make the dish lighter while still being tasty. Herbs and spices can change the taste of your meal. You might add basil, thyme, or oregano for extra flavor. Different cheeses can also enhance the dish. Try using mozzarella or feta instead of Parmesan for a twist. These small changes can make your creamy kielbasa pasta unique and fun! When you have leftovers, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to let your pasta cool before sealing them. Store in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. For the best taste, reheat in a skillet. This method warms the pasta gently. Stir it often to avoid sticking. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. To freeze, allow the pasta to cool completely. Then, put it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove or microwave until hot. To make Creamy Kielbasa Pasta, follow these main steps: 1. Cook the Pasta: Boil your choice of pasta in salted water. Drain it, but save some pasta water. 2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add diced onion and cook until soft. Then add minced garlic. 3. Brown the Kielbasa: Add sliced kielbasa to the skillet. Cook until browned for flavor. 4. Add Vegetables: Toss in diced bell peppers. Cook until they soften a bit. 5. Make the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning and simmer. 6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix cooked pasta with the sauce. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce's thickness. 7. Finish with Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Garnish with parsley. Yes, you can use various pasta types! Here are a few options: - Penne: Its shape holds sauce well. - Fusilli: Twists grab every bit of sauce. - Fettuccine: A wider noodle for a creamy bite. - Gluten-Free Pasta: Great for those with gluten issues. Each type affects the dish’s texture and how much sauce it holds. Experiment to find your favorite! You can pair your pasta with many sides: - Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up sauce. - Caesar Salad: Fresh greens with a creamy dressing. - Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans add nutrition. - Mixed Green Salad: Light and refreshing to balance the meal. These sides enhance your dining experience and add color to your plate. Enjoy! You learned how to make creamy kielbasa pasta step by step. We covered key ingredients, cooking tips, and how to avoid common mistakes. Remember to experiment with different vegetables and proteins to keep it fresh. This dish is easy, tasty, and adaptable for your needs. Enjoy serving this delightful meal to your family and friends. Your kitchen is ready for some creamy goodness!

Creamy Kielbasa Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring kielbasa and colorful bell peppers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces pasta (penne or your choice)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 12 ounces kielbasa, sliced
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced (mixed colors)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to become translucent.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Incorporate the sliced kielbasa into the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
  • Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then add the Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste, then mix in the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water until everything is well coated.
  • Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir until melted and creamy. Remove from heat.
  • Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an added touch of flavor and color.

Notes

Serve in a large bowl or individual plates, topping each serving with additional Parmesan and a sprig of parsley for an inviting look. Add a side of garlic bread to complete the meal!
Keyword creamy, kielbasa, pasta, quick meal