Kielbasa Pasta Casserole
Indulge in the comforting, flavorful goodness of Kielbasa Pasta Casserole—a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that combines smoky kielbasa sausage, tender penne pasta, and a creamy, homemade cheese sauce. Sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and onions add a fresh burst of flavor, while a sprinkle of golden, crispy panko breadcrumbs creates the perfect finishing touch. Infused with smoked paprika and garlic powder, this casserole offers layers of rich, savory taste with every bite. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this easy-prep recipe bakes to bubbly perfection in just 35 minutes, ensuring a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Garnish with fresh parsley to elevate this comforting classic, and serve it straight from the oven for a dish that’s as impressive as it is delicious.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 piece green bell pepper, diced
- 1 piece yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set it aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Add the sliced kielbasa sausage to the same skillet and cook until lightly browned on both sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated parmesan cheese until melted. Add the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and remove from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, browned kielbasa, and the cheese sauce. Mix until evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
607 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.4 g | 50% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.9 g | 94% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 91 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 1198 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 37.5 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.5 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.6 g | ||
| Protein | 25.5 g | 51% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 409 mg | 31% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 427 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.
