Sometimes I long for creamy pasta. This recipe for Creamy Garlic Parmesan is very elegant, yet simple to throw together. When I first posted this about a year ago, I wouldn’t have dreamed that this would be one of my most popular posts. This post is visited time and again by my many followers.
What is Kielbasa?
You can use any type of sausage you might like for this recipe; however, I lean towards using Kielbasa, which is a type of Polish Sausage. Kielbasa is a type of ring sausage that traditionally varies by region of production. Perhaps you have a favorite ring sausage from your local market that you could use. I lived in a small town in Southeastern, Minnesota and I had a favorite Kielbasa that I used from our local meat market. Now that they are no longer in business, I have grown to love this smoked garlic kielbasa that I purchase from Amazon. Plus, this Keilbasa is delivered right to my door, an added bonus.
Which type of Parmesan is best for creamy pasta?
Shredded Parmesan works best for this recipe; the powdered kind is not recommended. When I am shopping for my favorite Kielbasa, I tend to order this Organic Valley Shredded Parmesan by the case and simply freeze it so that I have it on hand for all of my favorite recipes. That way, I don’t have to run to the grocery store all the time. Keep in mind, the closes major shopping area is about an hour away. Adding chives, chopped tomatoes and extra Parmesan on top makes this recipe a pretty presentation, plus it makes people think you really fussed over them! Sneaky, aren’t I?
Below is the recipe for Creamy Parmesan & Garlic Pasta with Kielbasa
For another great Kielbasa recipe, link to our easy slow cooker recipe for White Bean and Kielbasa Soup. Another great recipe is our Kielbasa One dish Supper with Potatoes, Onions and Green Peppers.
Creamy Parmesan & Garlic Pasta with Kielbasa
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Rigatoni
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 3 Tbsp. butter
- 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan
- 1 lb. Kielbasa, cooked and sliced, or sausage of choice
- salt and pepper, to taste
- chopped chives, dices tomatoes and extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions, then set aside.
- In a large saute' pan over medium-low heat, sauté' garlic in olive oil and butter briefly.
- Stir in crushed red pepper flakes, then stir in flour and saute for one minute, while stirring constantly.
- Continue to stir while adding in broth and half and half:bring to a simmer then lower heat and stir until thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Add Kielbasa and heat through.
- Season with salt and pepper
- Pour sauce over cooked pasta and garnish with chives, tomatoes and extra Parmesan.
- Serve Hot and enjoy!
I would like to get your recipes. The look great great .
Hi Edith! You absolutely can have the recipe. When you click on the blog post, under read more, a full page version should open up. On that page, you can click right on the recipe to print. Please let me know if you have any trouble getting it. Thanks for taking the time to read my blog!
This looks delicious! Thank you for sharing! I am very fond of eating pasta, but not so much cooking them. But for this year, I am trying my best to take control of the kitchen and whatever comes out of it. I have been suffering from medical conditions that only healthy and hearty food can help eliminate. Glad i found your blog! Thanks!
I did one thing differently out of necessity only. My family isn’t fond of fresh tomatoes and they were the only ingredient I didn’t have on hand, so I substituted a 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes, adding them when I added the turkey kielbasa. It was a HUGE hit! I appreciate how quick and easy this was to prepare yet yielding delicious results! Definite “keeper”, thanks!
Your recipe does not state when you are supposed to put in the 1.5 cups of parm. Cheese.
When do I put in the Parmesan? I just see the part about adding it as a garnish, but do you cook most of it ?
I added 2 handfuls of fresh spinach with kilbasa…amazing!
That’s a great idea!
When does the 1 1/2 cups of parmesan get added? The recipe only mentions the garnish.
I apologize, I missed stating where to add the Parmesan. The recipe has now been fixed.
I am going to make this for dinner tomorrow evening . Looks very inviting wish me luck. Sincerely BIG C
Is the 1 1/2 cups Parmesan added into the sauce or just on top? I’m confused by the extra Parmesan listed in the ingredients.
The recipe has been fixed. I had just missed adding that to the directions. Sorry for any confusion.
The recipe doesn’t state when to incorporate the 1 1/2 cup of Parmesean. Also, the instructions are just one big annoying paragraph. As if that is how you write a recipe. LAZY!
Lolz. Parmesan.
I’m going to garnish with 1 1/2 cups of parmesan? Because the directions don’t state when to add it to the sauce. I ended up adding 1 cup with the broth and half & half. Idk if this was right or not..
I apologize, I missed stating when to add the Parmesan. The recipe is now fixed. Thanks for point this out.
This meal was Delicous. I added some mushrooms and a bell pepper. My whole family loved it. Best of all it was easy to make.
Wonderful flavor. Next time I will double the kielbasa…not enough meat. Broccoli would be a nice addition also. Thanks for the recipe, it’s a keeper!
Hello…I was wondering if thos could be made in advance and reheated the next day?
Yes, you sure can. Although the texture of some recipes change when reheated later on, I find that recipes often have better flavor. You may want to make the sauce the day before, adding a little extra cream or milk if needed when reheating. I would recommend making the pasta the day of serving though.
You never stated in your recipe when and how to put in the Parmigian cheese?
Do you only add the parmesan at the end? I kept rereading the recipe thinking I’d missed it somewhere. You say add ‘extra’ for garnish, where does the rest go?
I apologize that I missed that. I have fixed the recipe now. Thanks for pointing that out.
When do you add the 1 1/2 cup of Parmesan?
When do you put the Parmesan in or do you put it on top after it is cooked
I apologize, I missed that and have now fixed the recipe.
Where does the 1.5 cups of parmesan go? Looks like it just goes on top or am I wrong?
I apologize, I missed that and I have now fixed the recipe.
This was amazing…I added fresh spinach and steamed shrimp. I also used cajun sausage and added the parm cheese at the end of the cooking process rather than garnish. Yummmmm
This was AMAZING and a huge hit with my hubby! Have already made it a second time and going for a third tonight! Quick, easy and absolutely delicious!!
You forget in your directions when to add the 1 and half cups of parmesan cheese, I guessed before you add the kielbasa. ???
I apologize, and you were correct about when to add the Parmesan cheese. I have fixed the recipe now. Thanks for pointing this out.
Made this, with can of diced tomatoes and it was great!