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Easy Cheesy Baked Kielbasa Pasta

A delightful pasta dish that combines hearty rigatoni, savory kielbasa, and melty cheese for a comforting meal perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce
  • 16 ounces Rigatoni Pasta Hearty and tubular, perfect for soaking up the sauce.
  • 32 ounces Pasta Sauce A robust tomato sauce that infuses the dish with flavor.
Protein and Vegetables
  • 14 ounces Kielbasa Smoky, savory, and incredibly satisfying; feel free to double this for an even heartier meal!
  • 1/2 large Yellow Onion Aromatic and sweet when caramelized.
  • 2 large Bell Peppers Juicy and colorful, adding sweet crunch to the mix.
Cheeses and Pesto
  • 2 cups Italian Cheese Melty and flavorful, the perfect cheesy topping.
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese For a delightful nutty finish.
  • 1/4 cup Pesto Adds a fresh and aromatic herbal kick.
Cooking Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Adds a subtle richness and depth to sautéed veggies.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until it’s al dente, which typically takes about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Cooking the Kielbasa
  1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil. Add the sliced kielbasa and sauté until browned and slightly crispy on the edges, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Sautéing the Vegetables
  1. In the same pan, add the chopped yellow onion and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Adding Sauce and Pesto
  1. Stir in the marinara sauce and 2 tablespoons of pesto. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Add the cooked pasta and browned kielbasa back into the skillet. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and toss to coat evenly.
Assembling and Topping
  1. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, drizzle with remaining pesto, and top with Italian cheese and remaining Parmesan.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the dish for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving
  1. Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Pair with a light salad or garlic bread.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like basil or oregano. Make it vegetarian by replacing kielbasa with grilled veggies. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Experiment with different cheeses like Fontina or Gouda.