Spicy Kielbasa Pasta Bake Recipe

There’s something deeply comforting about a bubbling pasta bake straight out of the oven. When I first whipped up this Spicy Kielbasa Pasta Bake, I was craving something rich, cheesy, and bold with a smoky kick—and it hit all the marks!

The combo of seared kielbasa sausage, spicy tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and crispy breadcrumbs is next-level delicious.

Best part? It’s easy to throw together and a huge hit at the dinner table.

The dish is enhanced with diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves, and a zesty tomato sauce made from crushed tomatoes and tomato paste.

With Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes adding a kick, this recipe is topped with shredded mozzarella cheese and crispy panko breadcrumbs for a delightful finish.

It’s an easy-to-make casserole that serves well for family dinners or gatherings.

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Overview of Spicy Kielbasa Pasta Bake

This Spicy Kielbasa Pasta Bake is a delightful dish that brings together a variety of flavors and textures.

With uncooked penne pasta and sliced smoked kielbasa, it creates a hearty meal perfect for any occasion.

The combination of diced yellow onion and minced cloves of garlic adds depth, while the zesty tomato sauce made from crushed tomatoes and tomato paste provides a rich base.

Flavor Profile

The dish is enhanced with Italian seasoning and a hint of red pepper flakes, delivering a satisfying kick.

Topped with shredded mozzarella cheese and crispy panko breadcrumbs, it offers a delightful contrast between creamy and crunchy textures.

This pasta bake is not just filling; it’s a comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Preparation Steps

Preparing this pasta bake is straightforward and can be completed in about 50 minutes.

Start by preheating your oven and cooking the uncooked penne pasta until it reaches the perfect al dente texture.

While the pasta cooks, sauté the sliced smoked kielbasa in olive oil until it’s nicely browned, then set it aside.

In the same skillet, the diced yellow onion and minced cloves of garlic are sautéed until the onion becomes translucent.

Following this, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, allowing the mixture to simmer for a few minutes before adding the cooked pasta and kielbasa.

Recipe Highlights

This Spicy Kielbasa Pasta Bake is a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that merges pasta night with the bold flavors of Polish sausage.

Kielbasa adds a smoky richness that pairs beautifully with the spicy tomato base. The bubbling mozzarella and golden breadcrumbs bring that essential baked-pasta magic.

You can control the spice level by adjusting the red pepper flakes—mild or fiery, your call. It’s also a great recipe for meal prep since it reheats beautifully.

Highlights:

• Smoky, spicy, cheesy comfort food in one dish
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• Ready in under 1 hour
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• Easy to make ahead or freeze
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• Family-friendly and budget-friendly
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• Customizable spice level

Ingredient Notes

• Kielbasa: Choose smoked kielbasa for maximum flavor. It’s hearty, savory, and holds up well when baked. Slice into rounds or half-moons for even cooking.
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• Penne Pasta: This tubular pasta traps sauce beautifully. Cook it slightly al dente so it doesn’t overcook in the oven.
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• Crushed Tomatoes: Provides the base of your spicy sauce. Add red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne for heat.
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• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a gooey, cheesy topping that balances out the spice.
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• Breadcrumbs: Gives the dish its irresistible crunchy topping. Use panko for extra crispiness.
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• Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base to bring everything together with depth and richness.
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• Italian Seasoning & Red Pepper Flakes: Enhances the tomato sauce and adds that spicy edge.

How to Make My Spicy Kielbasa Pasta Bake

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne just shy of al dente (about 1 minute less than package directions). Drain and set aside.
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2. Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add one tablespoon olive oil. Brown the sliced kielbasa until slightly crispy and golden, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
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3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté diced onions until soft (3–4 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until thickened slightly.
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4. Combine & Layer: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, sauce, and kielbasa. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
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5. Top & Bake: Sprinkle mozzarella over the top, then scatter the breadcrumbs evenly. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbling and golden.
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6. Optional Broil: For a crispier topping, broil the bake for 2–3 minutes at the end—just watch it closely!

Assembling the Bake

Once the pasta mixture is well combined, transfer it to a greased baking dish.

Generously top it with shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly over the surface.

This layering not only adds flavor but also creates a visually appealing dish that’s perfect for gatherings.

Baking to Perfection

Place the assembled dish in a preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs turn a golden brown.

The aroma that fills your kitchen during this time is simply irresistible.

After baking, let the dish cool slightly before garnishing with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Serving Suggestions

This Spicy Kielbasa Pasta Bake serves six, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

The combination of flavors and textures will surely make it a favorite in your recipe rotation.

This spicy pasta bake is a meal on its own, but here are some sides that pair wonderfully:

• Garlic bread or garlic knots
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• Caesar salad or a spinach salad with balsamic dressing
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• Roasted broccoli or green beans
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• A cold beer or a glass of red wine (try a Zinfandel!)

Tips for the Best Spicy Kielbasa Pasta Bake

For perfect results, slightly undercook the pasta before baking—it will absorb more flavor and finish cooking in the oven.

Brown the kielbasa until it has some crispy edges to lock in the smoky flavor. Be generous with the cheese, and don’t skip the breadcrumbs—they add essential texture.

If your crowd isn’t into heat, reduce the red pepper flakes or omit them altogether.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze in individual portions wrapped tightly or in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

To Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.