Name: Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni work beautifully); 14 oz kielbasa sausage (sliced into rounds); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion (finely chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp paprika; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste); ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat); 1 cup frozen peas or sautéed bell peppers (optional); Fresh parsley (chopped (optional garnish))

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Intro

If there’s one dish that instantly takes me back to cozy evenings in my kitchen, it’s Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Casserole Recipe nights. Picture this: it’s late afternoon, the house smells like sizzling kielbasa and garlic, and there’s a bubbling casserole in the oven promising comfort in every bite.

I’m tying my apron, sneaking tastes of sauce straight from the spoon, and already planning who I’m going to share this with. That’s the magic of a homemade Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Casserole Recipe—it doesn’t just feed bellies, it feeds souls.

As a female chef who lives for those moments when food brings people together, this dish has become one of my most-loved comfort meals. It’s the kind of recipe you make when you want something hearty, cheesy, and deeply satisfying without spending all day in the kitchen.

This is truly an easy Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Casserole Recipe that tastes like you worked way harder than you did.

What is Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Casserole Recipe?

At its heart, Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Casserole Recipe is everything we crave in comfort food. Smoky kielbasa sausage sliced into golden rounds, tender pasta that soaks up every drop of sauce, and a creamy, cheesy base that wraps it all together like a warm hug.

Baked until bubbly with a lightly crisp cheese topping, it’s rich without being heavy and bold without being complicated.

What makes this dish special is how adaptable it is. You can keep it as a classic Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Casserole Recipe or make it your own with vegetables, spices, or different cheeses. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or lazy weekends when you want something comforting and reliable.

Equipment List

You don’t need anything fancy here—just a few kitchen staples:

Large pot for boiling pasta
Colander
Large skillet or sauté pan
9×13-inch baking dish
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Cheese grater (for best results, grate your own!)

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this casserole sing:

12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni work beautifully)
14 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
1 cup frozen peas or sautéed bell peppers (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Pasta to Perfect Tenderness

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta until just al dente. You want it tender but with a slight bite—it’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside, giving it a quick toss with olive oil so it doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Brown the Kielbasa

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until lightly browned and caramelized on the edges. That smoky aroma filling your kitchen? That’s flavor building already.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. This is where the casserole really starts to smell irresistible.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream and milk. Stir gently, then add paprika, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened, silky, and warm.

Step 5: Cheese, Glorious Cheese

Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella, a handful at a time, until melted and smooth. Finish with Parmesan for depth. The sauce should be creamy, cheesy, and spoon-licking good.

Step 6: Combine and Assemble

Add the cooked pasta and optional veggies to the skillet, tossing gently until everything is coated in that luscious sauce. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and smooth the top.

Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and lightly golden on top. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Savoring Every Bite

The first forkful of this Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Casserole Recipe is pure comfort. The pasta is tender, the kielbasa smoky and juicy, and the cheese pulls into long, satisfying strands. Each bite balances creaminess with savory depth, and that baked top adds just a hint of texture that makes you go back for seconds.

Tips From My Kitchen

Grate your own cheese—it melts smoother and tastes better.
Don’t overcook the pasta; slightly underdone is perfect.
Let the casserole rest before serving so it sets beautifully.
Taste your sauce before baking and adjust seasoning if needed.

Fun Ways to Mix It Up

One of the joys of a homemade Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Casserole Recipe is how customizable it is:

Swap cheddar for smoked gouda for extra depth.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a veggie boost.
Use spicy kielbasa if you love heat.
Stir in a spoon of Dijon mustard for subtle tang.

Serving Inspiration

This casserole shines all on its own, but I love serving it with:

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
Garlic bread or crusty rolls
Roasted vegetables for balance

It’s a crowd-pleaser at potlucks and just as comforting for a quiet family dinner.

Keeping Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Casserole Recipe Fresh

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave gently with a splash of milk to revive the creaminess.
Freeze: Assemble without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Your Questions Answered

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

What pasta works best?
Short, sturdy shapes that hold sauce—penne, rotini, or rigatoni.

Is this kid-friendly?
Very! Skip the red pepper flakes if little ones are eating.

Why I Keep Coming Back

This Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Casserole Recipe has earned its place in my kitchen rotation because it’s comforting, dependable, and endlessly adaptable. It’s the dish I make when I want smiles around the table and empty plates at the end of the night.

There’s something deeply satisfying about pulling a bubbling casserole from the oven and knowing it’s going to make someone’s day a little better.

If you try this easy Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Casserole Recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Did you add your own twist? Share it with friends, family, or even just yourself on a cozy night in—you deserve it.

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