Kielbasa Apple Pasta Bake Recipe: A Fall Favorite
Looking for a dish that combines savory kielbasa with the sweet and tart flavors of Granny Smith apples? Look no further! This Kielbasa Apple Pasta Bake is a delightful blend of textures and tastes that’s sure to please everyone at your table. It’s a fall favorite in our house but is delicious year-round.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is easy to make and consistently gets rave reviews. The Granny Smith apples add a unique twist that pairs beautifully with the kielbasa. Plus, the blend of cheddar cheese and creamy sauce makes it a comforting, hearty meal.
Kielbasa, also known as Polish sausage, is a versatile ingredient found in grocery stores. Whether you choose smoked or fresh kielbasa, this recipe promises a delicious outcome. According to Timeout.com, there are 13 different kinds of kielbasa, but any of them will work well in this dish.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 36 minutes
- Total Time: 46 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 4 ounces dry penne pasta, cooked and drained
- 1 tbsp + 1 tsp All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 medium Granny Smith Apples, cored and diced
- 4 ounces turkey kielbasa, diced
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
Directions
1. Make the Sauce
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk and flour. Cook and stir until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly.
- Remove from heat, then add the cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
2. Bake
- In a 13×9-inch baking dish, combine the pasta, apples, kielbasa, and cheese sauce. Mix well.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake on the center rack for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Top with sliced green onions before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Kielbasa Apple Pasta Bake
- Combine Ingredients Well: For better integration of flavors, mix the pasta, apples, and kielbasa in a medium bowl before adding to the baking dish.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Swiss, Gruyere, or even horseradish cheddar, to find your perfect flavor combination.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different type of apple? A: While Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, you can experiment with other apple varieties for a different flavor profile.
Q: Can I substitute chicken kielbasa? A: Yes, you can use chicken kielbasa if you prefer a leaner option.
Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian? A: Substitute the kielbasa with a plant-based sausage or leave it out entirely for a delicious vegetarian option.
Want More Delicious Recipes?
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Kielbasa Apple Pasta Bake Recipe
Discover the perfect comfort food with our Kielbasa Apple Pasta Bake Recipe. Easy, delicious, and ideal for cozy meals. Try it tonight!
Ingredients
- 4 ounces dry penne pasta, cooked and drained
- 1 tbsp + 1 tsp All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 medium Granny Smith Apples, cored and diced
- 4 ounces turkey kielbasa diced
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: Preheat oven to 350-degrees. In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, whisk together the milk and flour. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat and add the cheese, salt, and pepper; stir until smooth.
- Bake: In a 13×9 baking dish, combine the pasta, apples, kielbasa and cheese sauce. Cover with foil and bake, on the center rack, for 20 minutes. Remove the foil from the pan and bake an additional 15 minutes. Top with green onions and serve.
- ProTip: Combine the pasta, apples, and kielbasa in a medium mixing bowl and toss before adding to the 13×9 pan for better integration.
- Another Tip: Try using different cheeses to bring new flavor to this bake.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 173Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 352mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 2gSugar: 6gProtein: 7g
The Nutritional Information may not be accurate.