Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta with Kielbasa and Meatballs 🍝🇮🇹

This hearty and delicious recipe combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage, smoky kielbasa, and savory meatballs all enveloped in a creamy sauce. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this pasta dish is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters! Feel free to pair it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal experience. 🍞🥗

Ingredients

For the pasta

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the meat

• 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, according to your preference)
• 8 oz kielbasa, sliced into rounds
• 12 oz frozen meatballs (store-bought or homemade)

For the creamy sauce

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the sausage and kielbasa: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Add the sliced kielbasa and continue to sauté for another 3-4 minutes until slightly crispy.

🔥 Browning the sausage and kielbasa adds depth to the overall flavor of the dish, so don't rush this step!

3. Prepare the sauce: Add the minced garlic and diced onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 2 minutes, until fragrant and translucent. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for about 3 minutes to reduce slightly.

4. Make it creamy: Lower the heat, then add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.

5. Combine: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth or pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

6. Serve: Divide the creamy pasta onto plates and garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

🍽️ This dish can be served immediately, but it also tastes great the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld together!

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace the sausage and kielbasa with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini for a delightful veggie-packed version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for the sauce. 🍄
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick of heat! 🌶️
• Extra greens: Stir in some fresh spinach or kale towards the end of cooking; they'll wilt down beautifully and add a nutritional boost. 🌱
• Higher protein: Add cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor or toss in white beans for a plant-based protein option. 🥓
• High altitude: Slightly decrease the cooking time for the pasta, as it cooks faster at high altitudes.

Enjoy this creamy, indulgent dish that satisfies both your hunger and your taste buds! Bon appétit! 🍝✨