Craving a comforting dish that combines savory flavors with gooey cheese? Look no further than our Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Casserole! This mouthwatering recipe brings together tender pasta, juicy kielbasa, and a creamy, cheesy blend that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With just 45 minutes from prep to table, you’ll be serving up smiles in no time. Ready to dive into this cheesy delight? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb kielbasa, sliced
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sliced kielbasa until it develops a slight golden color and releases its natural oils, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet with the kielbasa, stirring to combine and allowing the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, browned kielbasa and tomato mixture, sour cream, Italian seasoning, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and begins to bubble and turn golden brown around the edges.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook your pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This will prevent it from becoming mushy in the casserole.
- Sauté Kielbasa for Flavor: Browning the kielbasa in a skillet not only enhances its flavor but also adds a delightful texture. Don't rush this step!
- Mix Ingredients Well: When combining the pasta, kielbasa, and other ingredients, ensure everything is evenly mixed. This will help distribute the flavors throughout the casserole.
- Experiment with Cheese: While the recipe calls for shredded cheese, feel free to mix it up! Try using a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, or even pepper jack for an extra kick.
- Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes serving much easier.
- Garnish for Presentation: For a pop of color and freshness, garnish your casserole with chopped parsley or green onions before serving. It not only looks great but adds a nice flavor contrast!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 573kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 27g
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 83mg
