Ah, smoked sausage pasta—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl, isn’t it? There’s something undeniably comforting about the rich, smoky flavors mingling with perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re rushing home after a long day or planning a cozy weekend meal, these quick and easy recipes might just become your new favorites—trust me, they’re as addictive as your favorite Netflix series.
Steps
- Gather all the necessary ingredients and cut the kielbasa into small round slices. Prepare the seasonings and shred the Parmesan cheese from a block if preferred.
- Cook the pasta following the instructions on the package. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the sliced kielbasa and then set it aside.
- Melt butter in the same skillet and add minced garlic, heavy cream, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and Parmesan cheese. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce achieves the desired thickness.
- Drain the pasta and mix it with the sauce in the skillet, ensuring the pasta is well-coated.
- Serve the pasta topped with the cooked kielbasa. Optionally, add more Parmesan cheese and dried parsley for garnish.
Ingredients
- 12 oz package of kielbasa
- 16 oz box of pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- Two 8 oz cans tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Dried parsley
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of sausage instead of kielbasa?
- Yes, you can substitute kielbasa with any variety of smoked sausage that you prefer.
- What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
- While the recipe uses Rotini pasta, you can use any pasta shape you have on hand.
- Is it better to use fresh or jarred minced garlic?
- Both fresh and jarred minced garlic work well for this recipe, so feel free to use whichever you have available.
- Can I prepare this dish for a larger group?
- If you’re serving a larger family or have individuals with bigger appetites, consider using two packages of kielbasa.
- Is it necessary to shred Parmesan cheese from a block?
- Shredding Parmesan cheese from a block is preferred for better flavor, but pre-shredded Parmesan can also be used.
Tips
- For enhanced flavor and freshness, consider buying a large block of Parmesan cheese and shredding it yourself rather than using pre-shredded cheese.
- If you have a larger family or teenagers with big appetites, doubling the amount of kielbasa can ensure everyone gets enough.
- While beef kielbasa is recommended, feel free to experiment with different types of smoked sausage to suit your taste preferences.
- Rotini pasta works well in this dish, but you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer or have on hand.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Box Grater (for shredding Parmesan cheese)
- Measuring Spoons
- Pasta Pot with Strainer/Colander
