Dinner

Turkey Kielbasa Pasta Bake Recipe

Bymia larkspur January 28, 2026January 28, 2026

Introduction

This Turkey Kielbasa Pasta Bake is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for a family dinner. It combines tender penne pasta and flavorful turkey kielbasa in a rich, cheesy sauce that’s sure to satisfy any pasta lover.

A white baking dish filled with baked pasta layers, where the base layer is cooked penne pasta mixed with creamy white sauce and pieces of browned meat. Above it, there is a thick melted cheese layer with light golden brown spots and some fresh green herb bits sprinkled on top. The dish is being served with a spoon lifting a portion, showing the creamy texture and braised edges of the pasta under the cheese. The dish sits on a white marbled textured surface with some green herb leaves slightly visible on the top left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

¼ cup salted butter
1 small onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup all purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for richer flavor)
1 cup low sodium vegetable broth
3 cups dry penne pasta (about 275 grams)
2 cups turkey kielbasa, halved and sliced (about 280 grams)
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking immediately. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 3: Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute more.
Step 4: Sprinkle in the flour and stir until no white streaks remain. Cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Step 5: Gradually whisk in the milk and vegetable broth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-10 minutes.
Step 6: Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta in boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
Step 7: In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, thickened sauce, and sliced kielbasa. Stir well to combine.
Step 8: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly on top and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Tips & Variations

For a richer sauce, substitute half of the milk with half-and-half or cream.
You can brown the turkey kielbasa in a skillet before adding for extra flavor and texture, but it’s not necessary since it’s already cooked.
Try swapping penne for rigatoni or ziti for a different shape that catches more sauce.
Add chopped bell peppers or spinach to the sauce for extra veggies.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. You can also freeze the pasta bake (without cheese) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking, then add the cheese and bake as usual.

How to Serve

A close-up of creamy pasta served in a white bowl, showing layers of pale yellow penne pasta coated in a thick white sauce. Mixed in are slices of brown sausage with a smooth texture, scattered evenly among the pasta. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled on top, adding color contrast to the light sauce and pasta. A silver fork is placed inside the bowl, partially buried in the pasta, resting at the bottom right side. The background is a white marbled surface with a blue and white cloth partly visible on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What is kielbasa?

Kielbasa is a type of Polish sausage, typically made from pork or a mixture of meats, and lightly smoked. Turkey kielbasa is a leaner alternative with the same smoky, savory flavor.

Is turkey kielbasa fully cooked?

Yes, turkey kielbasa is fully cooked. You just need to warm it up as part of the pasta bake. If you like, you can brown the slices in a pan for added crispness before mixing them in.