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Cheddar Broccoli Kielbasa Pasta

Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Kielbasa Pasta for Cozy Nights

A comforting, easy-to-make dinner featuring Cheddar Broccoli Kielbasa Pasta that the whole family will love.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces rotini Feel free to use any favorite pasta shape.
For the Sausage
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Can be swapped with vegetable oil or butter.
  • 7 ounces kielbasa, sliced Turkey kielbasa offers a lighter alternative.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Substitutable with margarine.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch Can use arrowroot powder for gluten-free option.
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour Choose gluten-free blends if preferred.
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt Adjust according to dietary restrictions.
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper White pepper can be used for a milder touch.
  • 2 cups whole milk Any milk variant can substitute.
  • 16 ounces mild cheddar cheese, shredded Mix sharp cheddar or mozzarella for extra taste.
For the Veggies
  • 10 ounces broccoli florets Frozen works but should be thawed beforehand.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • Colander

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced 7 ounces of kielbasa and cook for about 3-5 minutes until golden-brown. Transfer to a plate, leaving drippings in the skillet.
  3. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add 10 ounces of broccoli florets, cover to steam for 5-10 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
  4. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon each of cornstarch and flour, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper over the broccoli. Gradually add 2 cups of whole milk, stirring to combine before bringing it to a simmer. Slowly whisk in 16 ounces of shredded mild cheddar cheese until melted.
  5. Add the cooked rotini and browned kielbasa back into the skillet, stirring well to coat in the cheese sauce. Heat for about 1 minute to warm through.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 28gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Shredding your own cheese is recommended for a smoother sauce. Monitor broccoli cooking to keep it crisp-tender. Adjust sauce thickness with milk if too thick.

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