Kielbasa Pasta and Cheddar Bake
Dive into comfort food bliss with this hearty Kielbasa Pasta and Cheddar Bake, a crowd-pleasing casserole that combines smoky kielbasa, tender penne pasta, and a rich, velvety cheddar cheese sauce. Perfectly seasoned with garlic and onion powder, this dish is topped with a crunchy, golden layer of panko breadcrumbs for an irresistible texture. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s an easy dinner recipe that's ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The combination of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses adds a savory depth, while fresh parsley provides a vibrant finishing touch. Serve this indulgent baked pasta straight from the oven and watch it disappear! Keywords: kielbasa pasta bake, cheesy casserole, weeknight dinner recipe, comfort food, baked pasta recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 14 oz Kielbasa sausage
- 12 oz Penne pasta
- 3 tbsp Butter
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 3 cups Milk
- 3 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 0.75 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, slice the kielbasa sausage into thin rounds and lightly brown them in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to remove any lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the sharp cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese, reserving 1/2 cup of cheddar for topping. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine the cooked pasta, browned kielbasa slices, and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese over the top.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4858 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 288.0 g | 369% | |
| Saturated Fat | 151.2 g | 756% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 791 mg | 264% | |
| Sodium | 9447 mg | 411% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 352.7 g | 128% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.2 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 43.4 g | ||
| Protein | 224.5 g | 449% | |
| Vitamin D | 10.0 mcg | 50% | |
| Calcium | 4335 mg | 333% | |
| Iron | 22.6 mg | 126% | |
| Potassium | 3078 mg | 65% | |
*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.
