If you're looking for a comforting pasta dinner that's a little different from the usual, this creamy kielbasa pasta hits all the right notes. Smoky sausage, tender mushrooms, and a velvety ricotta sauce come together for a hearty meal that's ready in about 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
Most creamy pasta recipes lean on heavy cream or cream cheese. This one uses ricotta instead. It gives you that rich, luscious texture without being too heavy. Paired with a touch of tomato paste and sweet paprika, the sauce turns beautifully creamy and full-flavored, coating each strand of spaghetti perfectly.
Why You'll Love This Kielbasa Pasta
- Quick & easy: On the table in under 30 minutes.
- Rich but balanced: The ricotta sauce is creamy without being heavy.
- Smoky flavor: Kielbasa adds that savory depth we love in sausage pasta recipes.
- Budget-friendly: Uses simple pantry ingredients.
If you like creative pasta recipes like this, check out my Bacon Pesto Pasta or my Boursin Lemon Pasta, both reader favorites for cozy weeknights.
About the Ingredients
This recipe uses just a few ingredients, but each plays a key role in flavor and texture:
- Kielbasa (smoked sausage) - Choose a fully cooked Polish kielbasa, available in most U.S. grocery stores. Its smoky, garlicky flavor adds instant depth to the creamy sauce.
- Mushrooms - Use cremini or baby bella mushrooms for an earthy, meaty bite. They soak up all the delicious flavor from the sausage and sauce.
- Shallots & garlic - These form the aromatic base of the dish, giving a subtle sweetness and depth.
- Tomato paste - Adds a hint of acidity and color to balance the creamy ricotta.
- Paprika - Sweet paprika complements the smokiness of the kielbasa. You can use smoked paprika for an even bolder flavor.
- Ricotta cheese - Lightens the sauce while adding creaminess.
- Heavy cream - Just a splash creates a smooth, silky texture.
- Parsley - For a fresh finishing touch.
Need some extra veggies? Stir in caramelized onions, spinach, or peas.
How to Make This Creamy Kielbasa Pasta
While the pasta cooks, you'll sauté shallots, garlic, and mushrooms until soft and golden. Tomato paste and paprika are added to deepen the flavor before stirring in ricotta, a splash of cream, and a bit of water to form the sauce.
Once everything's creamy and blended, you'll add sliced kielbasa and let it gently warm through. Finally, toss in the cooked pasta, season to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley. Dinner's ready!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Any smoked sausage will work. Just make sure it's fully cooked before adding it to the sauce.
This usually happens if the heat is too high. Ricotta should be warmed gently to stay creamy and smooth.
You can prep the sauce a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before adding the pasta.
Creamy Kielbasa Pasta with Mushrooms and Ricotta
Equipment
- knife
- cooking pan
- skillet
Ingredients
- 10 oz spaghetti (regular or whole wheat)
- 16 oz mushrooms (cleaned and sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 shallots (finely chopped)
- 1 kielbasa sausage (sliced in half moons)
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoon sweet paprika (or smoked paprika)
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup pasta water (if needed)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and black pepper (to taste)
- fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook 10 oz spaghetti in a large pot of salted water according to package directions. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 cloves garlic, 2 shallots, and 16 oz mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and 2 tbsp sweet paprika; cook for 1 minute.
- Add ¾ cup ricotta cheese, ¼ cup heavy cream, and about ¼ cup of pasta water if you feel the sauce is too thick. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add sliced kielbasa to the pan and let it heat gently for 5 minutes.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and stir until everything is evenly coated. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Add-ins: For extra veggies, stir in caramelized onions, spinach, or peas.
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