Kielbasa and Apple Pasta Bake

Transform your weeknight dinners with this comforting Kielbasa and Apple Pasta Bake, a perfect fusion of savory and sweet flavors. Tender penne pasta is coated in a luscious, homemade cheddar cheese sauce, then layered with smoky kielbasa sausage, caramelized onions, and tart Granny Smith apples for a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. Topped with a golden, crunchy blend of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, this baked pasta dish is as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Ideal for busy families, this hearty casserole comes together in just under an hour and makes six generous servings. Serve it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal you'll want to make again and again.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 oz penne pasta
• 12 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 pieces granny smith apple, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 piece yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly browned. Remove the kielbasa and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the sliced apples and cook for another 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5

To make the cheese sauce, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is golden and bubbly.

Step 6

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper.

Step 8

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, browned kielbasa, apple and onion mixture, and the cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is well-coated.

Step 9

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 10

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the grated parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the pasta.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley (if desired) before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2209.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4833.1

Total Fat 249.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 123.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.9g
Cholesterol 602.7mg	0%
Sodium 7237.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 480.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.5g	0%
Total Sugars 75.8g
Protein 182.4g	0%

Vitamin D 262.7IU	0%
Calcium 2602.8mg	0%
Iron 25.4mg	0%
Potassium 3306.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.9%

Protein: 14.9%

Carbs: 39.2%