Table of Contents
Are you tired of making the same old meals every week? Here’s a tasty and easy recipe for adding to your dinner rotation. Kielbasa Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines sliced kielbasa sausage with a rich tomato sauce and tender pasta. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast.
History of Kielbasa Pasta
The history of Kielbasa Pasta is relatively recent and not well documented. However, it is believed to have originated in the United States, where kielbasa sausage has been a popular ingredient in Polish-American cuisine for generations. The dish likely emerged as a way for home cooks to use up leftover kielbasa and other pantry staples, such as pasta and canned tomato sauce.
Ingredients
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon
- Slices of 1/4-inch thick smoked kielbasa, 1 pound
- Yellow onion (diced), 1 1/2 cups
- Garlic cloves (minced), 2
- chicken stock, 2 cups
- Canned diced tomatoes, 1 10 oz
- Bowtie pasta (uncooked), 8 oz
- Heavy cream, 3/4 cup
- Sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon
- Cheddar cheese (shredded), 1 cup
- Fresh green onions (sliced), 1/4 cup
Step By Step Instructions To Make Kielbasa Pasta
Step 1
Heat olive oil in a large deep saute pan over medium-high heat.
Step 2
After adding the kielbasa and onions, saute them for 5-6 minutes until they are soft.
Step 3
Then, add the minced garlic and let it cook for 30 to 60 seconds.
Step 4
In a large saucepan, combine the chicken stock, diced tomatoes, cream, and bowtie pasta, stirring until combined.
Step 5
Stir in salt and pepper and simmer for a few minutes.
Step 6
The pasta should be fully cooked after 15 minutes of simmering.
Step 7
Cheese should be added to the pan after it has been removed from the heat.
Step 8
Let the cheese melt under the cover.
Step 9
You can garnish the dish with green onions by slicing them thinly.
Tips and Tricks
Sure, here are some tips and tricks to help you make the best Kielbasa Pasta possible:
Use high-quality kielbasa: Kielbasa is the star of this dish, so it’s important to use high-quality sausage for the best flavor. Look for smoked kielbasa made with natural ingredients.
Use a non-stick skillet: A non-stick skillet will prevent the kielbasa and other ingredients from sticking and burning. This will also make clean-up easier.
Cook the kielbasa first: Before adding any other ingredients to the skillet, cook the sliced kielbasa until it’s nicely browned. This will help release its flavor and give it a deliciously crispy texture.
Cook the pasta al dente: Be sure to cook the pasta until it’s al dente, which means it’s cooked through but still slightly firm. This will prevent the pasta from becoming mushy when it’s mixed with the sauce.
Combine the pasta and sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, add it to the skillet with the sauce. All ingredients should be combined until the sauce is coated on the pasta.
Garnish with cheese and herbs: Finally, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions over the top of the dish. The colors, textures, and flavors will be enhanced by this.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make a delicious and comforting Kielbasa Pasta that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Variations
Kielbasa Pasta is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are some variations you can try:
Spicy Kielbasa Pasta: Add some heat to the dish by using spicy kielbasa or adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Vegetable Kielbasa Pasta: Add more veggies to the dish by tossing in some bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Creamy Tomato Kielbasa Pasta: Add more creaminess to the sauce by using tomato cream sauce instead of canned diced tomatoes.
Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta: Add more cheese to the dish by using a blend of different cheeses like mozzarella or Parmesan.
Kielbasa Alfredo: Substitute the tomato sauce with Alfredo sauce for a creamier pasta dish.
Kielbasa and Kale Pasta: Add some greens to the dish by tossing in some chopped kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
Kielbasa and Broccoli Pasta: Add some crunch to the dish by tossing in some steamed broccoli florets before serving.
By trying out different variations of Kielbasa Pasta, you can discover new flavor combinations and create a dish that’s perfect for your taste preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for Kielbasa Pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like for Kielbasa Pasta. Penne, rigatoni, and fusilli are all good choices. You can choose a type of pasta that you prefer or have on hand. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type and shape of the pasta you use.
Can I make Kielbasa Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Kielbasa Pasta ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Can I use a different type of sausage instead of kielbasa?
Yes, you can use any type of smoked sausage or even spicy Italian sausage.
Can I make Kielbasa Pasta without heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.
Health Benefits
Some of the ingredients used in the dish do offer some potential health benefits:
Olive Oil: The use of olive oil in the recipe provides healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce inflammation, improve cholesterol levels, and potentially reduce the risk of heart disease.
Onions and Garlic: Onions and garlic are rich in antioxidants and sulfur-containing compounds that may help boost immune function, reduce inflammation, and potentially reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.
Tomatoes: The use of canned diced tomatoes provides a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant that may help protect against certain cancers and support heart health.
Cheddar Cheese: While cheese should be consumed in moderation due to its high fat and calorie content, it does provide a source of calcium and protein.
Overall, while Kielbasa Pasta may not be the healthiest dish, incorporating nutritious ingredients like onions, garlic, tomatoes, and olive oil can offer some potential health benefits.
In Closing
Kielbasa Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual get-together with friends. With the tips and tricks provided, you can confidently make this dish at home and customize it to your liking. Whether you’re a fan of spicy peppers or prefer a milder flavor, Kielbasa Pasta is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. So why not give it a try and add it to your dinner rotation?
Try More Delicious Recipes
Kielbasa Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 pound Slices of 1/4-inch thick smoked kielbasa
- 1 1/2 cups Yellow onion (diced
- 2 Garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 10 oz Canned diced tomatoes
- 8 oz Bowtie pasta (uncooked)
- 3/4 cup Heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon Sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/4 cup Fresh green onions (sliced)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large deep saute pan over medium-high heat.
- After adding the kielbasa and onions, saute them for 5-6 minutes until they are soft.
- Then, add the minced garlic and let it cook for 30 to 60 seconds.
- In a large saucepan, combine the chicken stock, diced tomatoes, cream, and bowtie pasta, stirring until combined.
- Stir in salt and pepper and simmer for a few minutes.
- The pasta should be fully cooked after 15 minutes of simmering.
- Cheese should be added to the pan after it has been removed from the heat.
- Let the cheese melt under the cover.
- You can garnish the dish with green onions by slicing them thinly.