If you love pasta bakes, try my Rigatoni Pasta Bake, this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake, Three Cheese Gnocchi Bake or my Chicken Alfredo Bake next! This post is generously sponsored by Canadian Turkey and I was compensated for my time in creating this recipe. Thank you for supporting the brands that make The Recipe Rebel possible! As you know, I love coming up with ways I can take classic comfort foods (like a hearty baked penne pasta!) and turn them into a something that’s healthier and lighter, but just as delicious. One of my favorite ways to lighten up a recipe is to use turkey! It’s healthy, it’s a great source of lean protein, and it can be cooked and served in so many different ways, whether we’re talking air fryer turkey nuggets, turkey pot pie, turkey meatballs, grilled turkey burgers, turkey sloppy joes, you name it. 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! For more quick and easy fall turkey recipes, visit ThinkTurkey.ca.
Ingredients for Turkey Kielbasa Pasta Bake
Butter: I like to use salted butter. If you use unsalted butter, you may want to add more salt yourself, but you can taste the sauce before adjusting the seasonings. Onion and Garlic: cooked in butter to create an aromatic base for the cream sauce. Italian Seasoning, Salt, and Black Pepper: a simple trio of seasonings that adds another layer of flavor. All-Purpose Flour: helps thicken the sauce. Whole Milk and Vegetable Broth: you can swap the milk with half-and-half to give it a richer flavor if you prefer. Penne Pasta: be sure to cook the pasta al dente according to package directions so it doesn’t overcook 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! Mozzarella Cheese: melted over the top of the pasta for a gooey, cheesy finish.
How to make this turkey kielbasa pasta bake
This baked penne pasta recipe is the perfect quick and easy throw-together meal!
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. When you’re ready to serve, thaw in the fridge if frozen, top with cheese, then bake as directed (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. Leftover baked pasta will last in an airtight container for in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge if frozen then microwave or warm on the stove until heated through.
More baked pasta recipes you’ll love
Baked Spaghetti Baked Ziti with Italian Turkey Sausage Rigatoni Pasta Bake Baked Tortellini with Turkey and Vegetables
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