Looking for the ultimate comfort food favorite? Kielbasa and pasta always delivers, with a creamy garlic sauce and perfectly caramelized sausage thanks to your air fryer. It’s an easy, family friendly dinner I always keep in my regular rotation that’s super customizable and delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy, and comforting. Smoky kielbasa and a creamy garlic sauce make every bite satisfying
- Perfect for busy weeknights. It’s an easy dinner that comes together with minimal effort, even when you don’t have a lot of free time
- A complete meal. With hearty sausage, pasta, and a flavorful sauce, there’s no need for complicated sides (though I do enjoy a crisp garden salad with this dish)!
- Loaded with flavor. Smoky kielbasa, savory garlic, and a creamy sauce are a combination that’s hard to beat
- Family-friendly. It’s a comforting meal that’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults
- Easy to customize. Add broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to make it your own!
- Great use of the air fryer. The kielbasa develops deliciously browned edges while staying juicy inside
- Perfect for leftovers. The flavors continue to meld, making it just as delicious the next day
- Made with simple ingredients. Most of what you need is easy to keep stocked in your kitchen
- Comfort food without the fuss. Cheesy kielbasa pasta is a hearty, satisfying dinner that’s easy enough for any night of the week
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Ingredients List
- 14 ounces kielbasa sausage, sliced into ¼” thick medallions
- 2 cups small shells (or similar small pasta)
- 1 tsp minced garlic (about 2 cloves garlic)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half and half (plus extra for adjusting sauce)
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can use regular or turkey kielbasa, or any similar smoked sausage you like!
- Instead of small shells, swap in a different small pasta, like elbows, egg noodles, etc
- Feel free to adjust or swap up any seasonings you like, or even use different cheeses (cheddar cheese is a great option) to make different sauce flavors! I do not find that this dish needs any additional salt, but you can adjust to taste
- Add in some vegetables as you like. Some of my favorites for this dish are sun dried tomatoes and spinach (which can be added with the sausage), zucchini, broccoli, or bell peppers
Equipment Note
You’ll need some type of oven-safe pan that fits in your air fryer for this recipe. This can be a cake pan, casserole dish, or anything similar.
I have a Dual Zone air fryer with two baskets, so I split mine into two small rectangular casserole dishes, but for a single basket unit, one larger baking pan is also fine!
Step By Step Instructions
- Add the shells, garlic, seasonings, broth, and cream or half and half into a greased baking dish that fits in your air fryer. Mix well to combine, making sure the noodles are covered with liquid
- Place into your air fryer’s basket or rack, and cook on the air fry setting at 360°F for 15-20 minutes, pausing every 5 minutes to stir. The noodles should be al dente at this point – if they are not, stir again and add extra time in 5-minute intervals as needed for your specific air fryer or pasta shape
- Top the noodle mixture with the slices of kielbasa. Cook an additional 4-6 minutes, until the sausage is browned to your liking
- Stir in the parmesan cheese and serve. The pasta will be thick, similar to a baked mac and cheese consistency. For a creamier, thinner sauce, add extra half and half, broth, or some milk to adjust to your family’s taste. Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Kielbasa and pasta is rich, creamy, and hearty, so it pairs best with lighter vegetables, crisp salads, and warm bread that can soak up every bit of the creamy garlic sauce. Here are some of my favorites!
Bread
- Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy garlic sauce!
- Crusty French bread: Simple, rustic, and always a great choice
- Dinner rolls: Soft, buttery rolls round out the meal
- Cheesy breadsticks: A comforting side for pasta lovers
- Focaccia: Herb-infused bread pairs beautifully with garlic flavors
Salads
- Caesar salad: Crisp romaine and tangy dressing balance the rich pasta
- Garden salad: Mixed greens with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette
- Arugula salad: Peppery greens add freshness
- Cucumber salad: Cool and refreshing with a light dressing
- Spinach salad: Fresh spinach with red onions and a simple vinaigrette
Vegetable Sides
- Roasted broccoli: A classic pairing with creamy pasta
- Green beans: Steamed or roasted with garlic and butter
- Roasted asparagus: Bright and slightly crisp
- Brussels sprouts: Roasted until caramelized for extra flavor. Try my Longhorn Brussel Sprouts recipe!
- Air fryer zucchini: A light, easy vegetable side!
Comfort Food Favorites
- Roasted baby potatoes: Great if you’re serving a crowd
- Air fryer mushrooms: Earthy mushrooms pair wonderfully with creamy garlic sauce
- Corn on the cob: Sweet corn balances the smoky kielbasa
- Coleslaw: A crisp, tangy side to cut through the richness
Drink Pairings
- Sparkling water with lemon: Bright and refreshing!
- Iced tea: Sweet or unsweetened works well
- Lemonade: Its citrusy flavor balances the creamy sauce
- Apple cider: Especially delicious during the fall
- Light lager or pilsner: Crisp beers pair well with smoky kielbasa and rich pasta
Best Occasions
This air fryer kielbasa and pasta is perfect for busy weeknight dinners, cozy family meals, potlucks, or casual entertaining. Pair it with a crisp salad, warm bread, and a simple vegetable for a satisfying meal that’s comforting without feeling too heavy!
Recipe FAQs
Does Kielbasa Go Well With Pasta?
Absolutely! Kielbasa’s smoky, savory flavor pairs wonderfully with pasta, especially when combined with creamy garlic, cheese, tomato-based, or buttery sauces. It’s an easy way to turn a simple pasta dish into a hearty, satisfying meal.
What Kind Of Sauce Is Good With Kielbasa?
Creamy garlic sauce is a fantastic choice because it complements the smoky sausage without overpowering it. Other delicious options include Alfredo, cheese sauce, tomato sauce, vodka sauce, garlic butter, pesto, or even a light mustard cream sauce.
Can I Make This On The Stovetop Instead?
Yes! Simply brown the kielbasa in a large skillet over medium high heat, then stir in the pasta, seasonings, and liquids. Cover, reduce to medium, and cook until the pasta is tender, 10-15 minutes. Add the cheese, stir until melted, and enjoy.
Tips For the Best Kielbasa and Pasta
- It is normal for this dish to splatter a little during cooking in your air fryer. I don’t recommend using foil as it will slow down the cooking process
- Air fryers can vary in terms of power level and cooking times. This recipe was created and tested in my Ninja Dual Zone air fryer. Other air fryers may require more or less cooking times, so don’t be afraid to use your judgment and adjust cooking times as needed
- If you can’t fit all the kielbasa on top of the pasta due to the size of your dish, feel free to add it around the dish into your air fryer’s basket directly, or just reserve extra for another meal!
- Depending on the size of your baking dish you may need slightly more or less liquid. Just make sure the pasta is fully covered to start so it doesn’t burn!
Storage and Reheating
Storage Tips
- Let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3-4 days for the best quality
- Store in individual portions for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week!
- Stir before reheating since the creamy sauce may settle as it chills
- Freezing is possible, but keep in mind that cream-based sauces separate slightly after thawing. If you do freeze it, enjoy it within 2 months for the best texture
Reheating Tips
- Air fryer: Transfer the pasta to an air fryer-safe baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and reheat at 325°F for 6-8 minutes, stirring halfway through
- Microwave: Heat in 30- to 60-second intervals, stirring between each until warmed through
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot
- Add a splash of milk or cream while reheating to loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy consistency
- Avoid overheating, as the sauce can become too thick or separate if cooked for too long
Final Thoughts
This kielbasa and pasta recipe is a family favorite and often on my weeknight dinner rotation. I mean, what’s not to love about perfectly caramelized sausage, tender pasta, and a garlicky, cheesy sauce?
If you don’t have a baking dish for your air fryer, you can even boil the pasta and make the sauce separately, and still add in that perfectly air fried kielbasa to make a delicious combo. It’s super versatile, and always comforting and delicious.
Katie’s tip
Looking for more ways to enjoy savory, smoky sausage? Check out all of my Air Fryer Kielbasa Recipes for more inspiration!
Air Fryer Kielbasa and Pasta (Garlic Parmesan)
Servings: 4
Kielbasa and pasta is a classic comfort food combination, and the creamy garlic parmesan sauce complements it perfectly. Make it in the air fryer or on the stove for an easy meal!
Equipment
- Spatula (or spoon; for stirring)
- Casserole dish (or similar oven safe dish(es) that fit in your air fryer)
Ingredients
- 14 ounces kielbasa sausage (sliced into ¼” thick medallions)
- 2 cups small shells pasts (or similar)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half and half (plus extra for adjusting sauce)
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Add the shells, garlic, seasonings, broth, and cream or half and half into a greased baking dish that fits in your air fryer. Mix well to combine, making sure the noodles are covered with liquid2 cups small shells pasts, 1 tsp minced garlic, ½ tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
- Place into your air fryer’s basket or rack, and cook on the air fry setting at 360°F for 15-20 minutes, pausing every 5 minutes to stir. The noodles should be al dente at this point but still have a little liquid left – if they are not, stir again and add extra time in 5-minute intervals as needed for your specific air fryer or pasta shape
- Top the noodle mixture with the slices of kielbasa. Cook an additional 4-6 minutes, until the sausage is browned to your liking14 ounces kielbasa sausage
- Stir in the parmesan cheese and serve. The pasta will be thick, similar to a baked mac and cheese consistency. For a creamier, thinner sauce, add extra half and half, broth, or some milk as desired. Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and enjoy!½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
Notes
- You can use regular or turkey kielbasa, or any similar smoked sausage you like!
- Instead of small shells, swap in a different small pasta, like elbows, egg noodles, etc (though cooking times can vary slightly)
- Feel free to adjust or swap up any seasonings you like, or even use different cheeses (cheddar is a great option) to make different sauce flavors!
- Add in some vegetables as you like. Some of my favorites for this dish are sun dried tomatoes and spinach (which can be added with the sausage), zucchini, broccoli, or bell peppers
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
Serving: 228g | Calories: 609kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 1296mg | Potassium: 393mg | Fiber: 2.1g | Sugar: 5.4g | Vitamin A: 113.7IU | Vitamin C: 19.2mg | Calcium: 146mg | Iron: 2.6mg
