This recipe for Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta features delicious smoked sausage, tender rigatoni noodles, and a savory cheese sauce. It’s done in 30 minutes in one pan so you can get dinner on the table in no time!
$8.34 per recipe / $1.39 per serving
When 5 o’clock rolls around sometimes the last thing I want to do is spend an hour in the kitchen cooking over a hot stove.
It’s nights like these that I’m especially grateful for quick and easy dinners!
Like this cheesy kielbasa pasta dish.
This recipe works because it’s:
- A one-pan meal. You’ll only need a large skillet to make the entire dish.
- Done in under 30 minutes!
- Great for any taste buds. The mild taste of the sausage and the extra cheesiness on the pasta will please even the pickiest of palates.
- Just a few ingredients. Only 8 to be exact.
- So easy to make. Let your kids help brown the kielbasa, add the pasta, and sprinkle the cheese.
This recipe was adapted from Inspirational Momma.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Slice 16 ounces of kielbasa sausage into even-sized circles.
Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and cook kielbasa and 1 tablespoon of onion powder over medium until the sausage is lightly browned.
Add 14 ounces of canned chicken broth (about 2 cups) and 8 ounces of uncooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet and stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium.
Carefully remove a few tablespoons of the warm broth from the pan and slowly whisk them into 1/2 cup of milk. When the milk is warm, add it to the skillet.
Cover and simmer the mixture for about 15 minutes or until pasta is thoroughly cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of shredded Colby jack cheese until melted. Sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup of cheese on top.
Recipe Tips and Substitutions
There are several substitutions you can make to this recipe to suit your personal tastes/what you have on hand:
- Switch out the kielbasa for a turkey sausage, andouille, or a hot smoked sausage.
- Try one of these chicken broth substitutes.
- Use any type of medium-length pasta like rotini or penne.
- Add some extra creaminess by using half and half or evaptorated milk instead of the 1% milk.
- Any shredded cheese will do like cheddar or a Mexican blend.
The mixture will combine best if you use a full-fat milk like whole milk. The less fat you have in the milk, the more likely it is to curdle in the pan. And don’t forget the step to temper the milk to help avoid curdling too.
More Like This
Looking for more easy one pan dishes? You’ll love these!
- Creamy Gnocchi with Tomatoes
- Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta
- One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
- Cheesy Zucchini, Black Bean, and Rice Skillet
- Greek Yogurt Alfredo Fettuccine
Recipe Costs
This recipe costs $8.34 to make which is $1.39 a serving! This is such an affordable way to feed a large family.
- Kielbasa sausage – $4.79
- Onion powder – $0.09
- Chicken broth – $0.79
- Rigatoni pasta – $1.00
- Milk – $0.12
- Salt and pepper – $0.05
- Colby jack cheese – $1.50
FAQs
Here are some things to check next time you make the recipe:
-Between the milk and the chicken broth, you’ll need 2 1/2 cups of liquid. This amount ensures all of the pasta is covered and can cook properly.
-You’ll only want to use 8 ounces of pasta, which is usually half a box.
-The pasta needs to cook for at least 15 minutes to soften. It may take longer depending on your stove and pan.
If you follow all of those directions and the pasta still isn’t softening, it’s fine to add a little more liquid (water or broth) and let it simmer until the pasta is the doneness you like.
I’ve never tried this with a smaller pasta size, but I would keep the liquid amounts the same. If anything, you’ll have a little bit of creamy sauce leftover instead of the pasta soaking up all of the liquid!
I hope your family loves this cheesy kielbasa pasta recipe! If you make it, be sure to take a picture and tag me on Instagram with @ashcroftfamilytable and use the hashtag #ashcroftfamilytable!
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30 Minute Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta
Ingredients
- 16 ounces kielbasa sausage
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 14 ounces canned chicken broth, about 2 cups
- 8 ounces uncooked rigatoni pasta
- ½ cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups shredded Colby jack cheese, divided
Instructions
- Slice kielbasa sausage into even sized circles.
- Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and cook kielbasa and onion powder over medium heat until the sausage is lightly browned.
- Add chicken broth and uncooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium.
- Carefully remove a few tablespoons of the warm broth from the pan and slow whisk into the milk. When the milk is warm, add it to the skillet.
- Cover and simmer the mixture for about 15 minutes or until pasta is thoroughly cooked. Season with salt and pepper.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese until melted. Sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup of cheese on top.
Video
Notes
- Between the milk and the chicken broth, you’ll need 2½ cups of liquid. This amount ensures all of the pasta is covered and can cook properly.
- You’ll only want to use 8 ounces of pasta, which is usually half a box.
- The pasta needs to cook for at least 15 minutes to soften. It may take longer depending on your stove and pan.
- If you follow all of the directions and the pasta still isn’t softening, it’s fine to add a little more liquid (water or broth) and let it simmer until the pasta is the doneness you like.
Amy W
Tuesday 14th of May 2024
I made this tonight on a whim, didn’t have the energy to stop in the grocery store after work so punched in what I had on hand and found this. It’s a keeper!!! Followed exactly, only difference is I used tri color rotini because that’s all I had and added in a bag of frozen green beans. Whole family loved it! Thank you!
Jessica Ashcroft
Wednesday 22nd of May 2024
I'm so glad to hear that Amy! Love adding the green beans!
Shadd tshudy
Monday 31st of July 2023
I think that the taste is there, but following the directions it does seem that the pasta needs to be cooked a little longer and a little more liquid does need added. Also, I would suggest using a different style of cheese. I only had four cheese Mexican blend cheese but I used Monterey in the past and it's not cheesy enough. Maybe some heavy cream or something could make it cheesier
Jessica Ashcroft
Tuesday 1st of August 2023
Hi Shadd! Thank you for your comments and feedback. I did want to point out in the notes there are these suggestions:
-Between the milk and the chicken broth, you’ll need 2½ cups of liquid. This amount ensures all of the pasta is covered and can cook properly. -You’ll only want to use 8 ounces of pasta, which is usually half a box. -The pasta needs to cook for at least 15 minutes to soften. It may take longer depending on your stove and pan. -If you follow all of the directions and the pasta still isn’t softening, it’s fine to add a little more liquid (water or broth) and let it simmer until the pasta is the doneness you like.
You're also free to add as much cheese as you want!
Laura
Wednesday 4th of May 2022
Would it be the same measurements for the liquid if I use another pasta, say elbow noodles?
Jessica Ashcroft
Thursday 5th of May 2022
I've never tried it with a smaller pasta, but I would keep the liquid amounts the same! I just made it this week and I found I needed more liquid for the rigatoni to cook all of the way. I'll update the recipe to reflect that.
Daryl W
Monday 21st of March 2022
Was extremely easy to make preparation time was simple and all you have to do is follow the recipe and this is a great meal
Jessica Ashcroft
Tuesday 22nd of March 2022
So glad you liked it Daryl!
Joy
Tuesday 4th of January 2022
We tried this tonight. It is delicious! I feed 7, so I doubled the penne & the liquid. It cooked up perfectly. This recipe is going into our family's regular rotation.
Jessica Ashcroft
Wednesday 5th of January 2022
So, so glad to hear that Joy! One of our favorites too :)