Kielbasa and Apple Pasta Bake
Transform your weeknight dinners with this comforting Kielbasa and Apple Pasta Bake, a perfect fusion of savory and sweet flavors. Tender penne pasta is coated in a luscious, homemade cheddar cheese sauce, then layered with smoky kielbasa sausage, caramelized onions, and tart Granny Smith apples for a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. Topped with a golden, crunchy blend of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, this baked pasta dish is as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Ideal for busy families, this hearty casserole comes together in just under an hour and makes six generous servings. Serve it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal you'll want to make again and again.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz penne pasta
- 12 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 pieces granny smith apple, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 piece yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly browned. Remove the kielbasa and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the sliced apples and cook for another 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
To make the cheese sauce, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is golden and bubbly.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, browned kielbasa, apple and onion mixture, and the cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is well-coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the grated parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the pasta.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley (if desired) before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
661 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.6 g | 52% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.8 g | 104% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 99 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 1186 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 48.9 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.5 g | ||
| Protein | 25.7 g | 51% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.4 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 437 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 418 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
