Cheesy Baked Kielbasa Pasta is a hearty, comforting dish loaded with smoky sausage, tender pasta, and gooey cheese. Easy to make all in one pot, family-friendly, and packed with bold, savory flavor!
Cheesy Baked Kielbasa Pasta
This Cheesy Baked Kielbasa Pasta is a hearty, delicious, one pot family-friendly dinner that's easy to make and loaded with comfort food flavor. With smoky kielbasa sausage, tender pasta, and gooey melted cheese, this baked pasta dish is a cozy comfort meal that satisfies every time. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or feeding a crowd, this cheesy kielbasa pasta is a guaranteed hit.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Baked Kielbasa Pasta
This dish is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: quick to assemble, uses simple pantry ingredients, and delivers big on taste. Here's why it's a must-make:
- Kid-approved: The cheesy goodness paired with smoky sausage is a combo the whole family will love.
- One-pan convenience: Easy to prepare and bake in the same dish, which means fewer dishes to wash.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble it ahead of time, refrigerate, and just pop it in the oven when you're ready to eat.
Recipe Variations
One of the best things about this cheesy baked kielbasa pasta is how flexible it is. Here are a few fun ways to change it up:
- Switch up the cheese: Try mozzarella for extra meltiness, pepper jack for spice, or smoked gouda for a bold twist.
- Change the ricotta filling: I love the creaminess and extra protein and richness the ricotta adds. You can also use softened cream cheese or cottage cheese in place of the ricotta, if you prefer.
- Add veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or broccoli make great additions for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use a different protein: Swap kielbasa for Italian sausage, ground beef, shredded chicken, or a vegetarian sausage alternative.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or Cajun seasoning to give it a kick.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty enough to be the star of your dinner table, but a few side options can round out the meal beautifully:
- Garlic bread or Texas toast – Perfect for scooping up any extra cheesy sauce.
- Fresh green salad – A crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the bake.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables – Think green beans, asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini to add color and nutrients.
- Pickles or sauerkraut – A classic pairing with kielbasa that adds a tangy contrast.
More Easy Pasta Recipes You'll Love
- American Goulash - A cozy, one-pot classic made with ground beef, elbow pasta, tomatoes, and simple seasonings. Hearty, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights!
- One Pot Enchilada Pasta - All the bold flavors of enchiladas in a quick, cheesy pasta dish—made in just one pot for easy cleanup and maximum flavor!
- Ground Beef Stroganoff - Creamy, savory, and satisfying—this easy ground beef stroganoff is a comforting pasta dinner the whole family will love.
- Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs - Tender meatballs and pasta slow-cooked in rich marinara for a fuss-free, flavorful dinner that practically cooks itself!
- Easy Creamy Sausage Pasta - A rich, creamy pasta dish with savory sausage and simple ingredients. Quick, comforting, and perfect for a weeknight meal!
- Rotel Chicken Spaghetti - Creamy, cheesy pasta bake with shredded chicken, Rotel tomatoes, and melted cheese. Bold, comforting, and packed with flavor in every bite!
Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Video
Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage halved length-wise and sliced
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 large carrots shredded
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) fire roasted tomatoes
- ½ cup milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces uncooked penne
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Add olive oil to a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Add the kielbasa, red pepper, onion, and carrots, and cook, stirring regularly until veggies are tender and sausage is slightly browned.
- Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning, and cook until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, tomatoes, milk, pasta, and salt and black pepper.
- Bring to a boil. Once at a boil, lower the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the ricotta in dollops on top cheese. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 15 minutes, until cheese is melted. Serve warm.
Notes
- For this recipe, I use a 12-inch cast iron skillet, and it fits pretty perfectly.
- Storage: Store leftovers up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in individual servings in the microwave.
- Freezer Instructions: Stop before adding the cheese to the top of the pasta. Allow pasta to cool to room temperature. Cover and freeze for up to 3 to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before warming on the stove (or oven) and topping with cheese.
Nutrition
UPDATE INFO: This recipe was originally published in March 2016. It was updated with new pictures, tips, and video, and republished in April 2025.
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Karly Campbell says
So I may struggle to pronounce the a name of this beauty, but I know there will be no struggle in eating it! Can't wait to whip this up!