Ingredients
Scale
Sausage
- 12 oz smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced into bite-size rounds
Pasta and Liquids
- 8 oz uncooked penne or rigatoni pasta
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Aromatics and Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Cheese and Fat
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings and Garnishes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the kielbasa and aromatics: Slice the kielbasa into bite-sized rounds. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the kielbasa until browned and flavorful. Remove the kielbasa from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the sausage.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream; scrape the bottom of the pot to release any stuck bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Carefully add the uncooked pasta, making sure it is submerged in the liquid. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and cook the pasta until tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Combine and finish: Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, return the browned kielbasa to the pot. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and glossy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve hot for maximum creaminess and comfort.
Notes
- Use quality smoked kielbasa for authentic, deep flavor.
- Watch the pasta carefully to avoid overcooking; al dente texture is ideal.
- Stir gently but frequently to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if it gets too thick.
- Add Parmesan cheese at the end to keep the sauce smooth and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Polish-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free pasta substitution)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: one pot, creamy pasta, kielbasa, smoked sausage, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, creamy sauce, penne pasta, rigatoni, gluten-free option