Everyone in the family will love this easy, creamy turkey kielbasa pasta bake! Penne pasta and turkey kielbasa are mixed in a rich, flavorful cream sauce, and gooey mozzarella is sprinkled on top.
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You already know that I love making healthy and lighter versions of comfort foods that taste just as good, like a hearty baked penne pasta!
This Turkey Kielbasa Pasta Bake recipe is a lightened up version of a classic. It’s made with broth and milk instead of heavy cream and turkey kielbasa for a leaner option. It’s an easy, healthier dinner that the whole family will love!.
Turkey kielbasa is a tasty smoked sausage that can add wonderful flavor to many dishes. If you have turkey kielbasa in your fridge or freezer and aren’t sure how to use it this article will provide you with 16 delicious recipe ideas to try.
What is Turkey Kielbasa?
Kielbasa is a type of Polish sausage that is typically made with pork or a combination of pork and beef. Turkey kielbasa uses ground turkey as the main ingredient. It has a similar smoky, garlicky flavor as traditional kielbasa but is leaner and healthier.
Turkey kielbasa can be found fully cooked in most grocery stores near the other sausages and hot dogs. It makes a quick and easy addition to meals since no pre-cooking is required.
Benefits of Cooking with Turkey Kielbasa
There are a few reasons why turkey kielbasa is a great ingredient to cook with
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It’s lower in fat and calories compared to pork and beef varieties.
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Turkey provides lean protein to help keep you full and satisfied.
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The smoky, spicy flavor adds lots of taste without much effort.
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Turkey kielbasa is fully cooked so it’s fast and convenient.
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It can be used in a variety of recipes from breakfast hashes to pasta bakes.
With all of these benefits, it’s no wonder turkey kielbasa makes regular appearances in many home kitchens! Keep reading for 16 delicious ways to use it.
Easy Turkey Kielbasa Recipes
1. Kielbasa and Potato Sheet Pan Dinner
Cooking a meal on a sheet pan makes dinner easy. This recipe features turkey kielbasa, potatoes, and brussels sprouts tossed in olive oil and herbs. Roasted together on a sheet pan, you get a tasty one-pan meal with minimal cleanup.
2. Cheesy Turkey Kielbasa Pasta Bake
Who doesn’t love a hearty pasta bake? This one combines penne, turkey kielbasa, spinach, and a creamy cheese sauce. Topped with Parmesan and mozzarella, it bakes up bubbly and delicious.
3. Turkey Kielbasa Hash
Hash is a great any time meal. This recipe sautés turkey kielbasa with potatoes, peppers, and onions for a delicious and easy one-skillet dinner. Top with a fried egg for extra protein.
4. Tuscan Turkey Sausage Pasta
Pasta gets a flavor boost from spicy turkey sausage in this quick weeknight recipe. Sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan round out the Tuscan-inspired dish.
5. Turkey Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet
Smoky kielbasa pairs perfectly with sweet, tender cabbage in this easy skillet dinner. Brown sugar, vinegar, and garlic add tons of flavor.
6. Southwest Turkey Kielbasa Wraps
Build your own southwest-inspired lunch by topping warmed tortillas with turkey kielbasa, black bean salsa, shredded lettuce, pepperjack cheese, and avocado.
7. BBQ Turkey Kielbasa Foil Packs
These foil pack dinners are fun for camping or cooking out in the backyard. Turkey kielbasa, potatoes, corn, and bell pepper steam in the packet with barbecue sauce.
8. Slow Cooker Turkey Kielbasa and Sauerkraut
Let your slow cooker work its magic to create this flavorful and hearty dish. Turkey kielbasa, sauerkraut, and veggies simmer together all day for a satisfying meal.
9. Turkey Kielbasa Breakfast Casserole
This make-ahead casserole is perfect for weekend brunch. Turkey kielbasa, eggs, cheese, and hashbrowns bake up in a delicious strata-style casserole.
10. Gnocchi with Turkey Sausage and Kale
Gnocchi is tossed with turkey sausage, kale, and sun-dried tomatoes for a quick, healthy, and tasty weeknight dinner. The cream sauce brings it all together.
11. Turkey Kielbasa and White Bean Soup
Hearty white beans and turkey kielbasa create a flavorful, protein-packed soup. Vegetable broth and seasonings round out this cozy bowl of goodness.
12. Turkey Kielbasa Pizza
Customize a pizza by topping a pre-baked crust with turkey kielbasa, mozzarella, tomato sauce, bell peppers, onion, and any other favorite toppings.
13. Cheesy Turkey Kielbasa Pinwheels
These fun appetizers are made with turkey kielbasa sliced thin, wrapped around cream cheese and shredded cheddar, then rolled up. Baked or chilled, they disappear fast!
14. Turkey Kielbasa Quesadillas
Quickly whip up these quesadillas on the stovetop or in a skillet. Filled with turkey kielbasa, peppers, onions, and melted cheese, they make an easy lunch or light dinner.
15. Turkey Kielbasa and Potato Foil Packs
Another easy camping meal, these foil packs contain turkey kielbasa, potatoes, bell pepper, and onion with a simple seasoning blend. Cook over the fire for a complete meal.
16. Turkey Kielbasa Stir Fry
Slice turkey kielbasa and stir fry with colorful veggies like broccoli, carrots, bell pepper and bamboo shoots. Serve over rice for a fast and healthy dinner.
With all of these versatile recipe ideas, you’ll never struggle to figure out what to make with turkey kielbasa again! It’s such a flavorful ingredient that pairs well with veggies, starches, breakfast foods, and more.
Next time you have turkey kielbasa on hand, try whipping up one of these delicious recipes for an easy dinner, soup, appetizer, or complete meal everyone will love.
Ingredients for Turkey Kielbasa Pasta Bake
- Butter: I like to use salted butter. You might need to add more salt if you use unsalted butter, but you can taste the sauce first before making any changes.
- Onions and garlic are cooked in butter to make a flavorful base for the cream sauce.
- Salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning are a simple trio of spices that add another level of flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: helps thicken the sauce.
- Vegetable broth and whole milk: you can use half-and-half instead of milk to make it taste stronger if you’d like.
- Penne: Follow the directions on the package to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t get too soft in the oven. Feel free to use any other short pasta shape instead!.
- Turkey Kielbasa: halved and sliced before incorporating into the pasta. No need to cook it first. Kielbasa is already cooked!.
- To make the pasta extra gooey and cheesy, melt mozzarella cheese over top of it.
Make ahead and storing
To prep the pasta bake ahead of time, simply assemble as instructed but leave off the cheese. Cover and place in the fridge up to 24 hours. To freeze, assemble as directed, leaving the cheese off, then freeze for up to 3 months.
If it’s frozen, let it thaw in the fridge before baking. Add cheese and bake as directed, but I like to add a splash of water or broth before baking so that it doesn’t dry out. You may have to add a little bit of time since the assembled pasta will be cold.
With an airtight lid, baked pasta leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2–3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge if frozen then microwave or warm on the stove until heated through.
TURKEY SAUSAGE AND VEGGIES FOODTORIAL | COOKING WITH BRE
FAQ
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