Apple Pasta with Kielbasa and Hot Pepper Olive Oil Recipe

Apple Pasta with Kielbasa and Hot Pepper Olive Oil Recipe

A Unique Fusion of Sweet, Spicy, and Savory

If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly balances sweetness, spice, and savory goodness, this Pasta with Sweet Apples & Spicy Sauce is the ideal choice. Combining tender rigatoni, spicy hot pepper olive oil, smoky kielbasa, and the natural sweetness of Fuji apples, this meal is perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests.

This Sonoma Farm-inspired dish takes classic mac and cheese and gives it an elevated, gourmet twist. The creamy cheddar cheese sauce is infused with Sonoma Farm Hot Pepper Olive Oil, adding just the right amount of heat to complement the juicy apples and smoky kielbasa. Whether you’re a home cook looking for a new recipe or a professional chef wanting to experiment with bold flavors, this dish is sure to impress.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish stands out because of its complex but balanced flavor profile:

1. The Pasta – A Hearty Base

The rigatoni serves as the perfect sturdy pasta to hold the rich, creamy sauce. Unlike thinner pastas like spaghetti or linguine, rigatoni’s ridges help the cheese sauce cling to each bite, ensuring maximum flavor.

2. The Creamy Cheese Sauce – The Ultimate Comfort Factor

The cheese sauce is made with extra-sharp cheddar, which provides a rich, tangy depth that pairs beautifully with the sweet apples and spicy olive oil. The milk-based béchamel sauce ensures a smooth, velvety consistency that coats the pasta evenly.

3. The Kielbasa – A Smoky, Meaty Addition

Adding sliced kielbasa elevates the dish with its smoky, garlicky notes. The slight crispiness from browning the kielbasa enhances its umami flavor, making it the perfect contrast to the creamy pasta.

4. The Apples – A Surprising Sweet Twist

Using Fuji apples introduces a juicy, natural sweetness that complements the spicy heat from the hot pepper olive oil. When baked, the apples become tender and slightly caramelized, blending beautifully into the dish.

5. The Heat – A Subtle but Impactful Kick

Sonoma Farm Hot Pepper Olive Oil provides a gentle warmth that lingers on the palate without overpowering the other flavors. It cuts through the richness of the cheese, making each bite more exciting.

Ingredients:

To make this indulgent baked pasta dish, you’ll need the following:

Main Ingredients:

✔ 1 pound rigatoni – Or any short, ridged pasta like penne or cavatappi
✔ 2 tablespoons Sonoma Farm Hot Pepper Olive Oil – For subtle heat and depth of flavor
✔ 1 large onion, sliced – Adds sweetness and richness
✔ 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the cheese sauce
✔ 1 quart (4 cups) milk – The base of the creamy béchamel sauce
✔ 10 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (3 cups) – Provides a bold, tangy bite
✔ 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors
✔ 1 package (14 ounces) fully-cooked kielbasa, sliced into 1/4-inch-thick coins – Brings smokiness and texture
✔ 3 Fuji apples, cored and cut into 1/2-inch cubes – Adds a touch of natural sweetness
✔ 2 scallions, thinly sliced – For a fresh, mildly oniony finish

Optional Additions & Substitutions:

• Other Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for Gruyère, Fontina, or Gouda for a more complex flavor.
• Meat Substitutions: Try chorizo, Italian sausage, or pancetta instead of kielbasa for different smoky profiles.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Omit the kielbasa and add roasted mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Baking Dish

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 10-cup oval baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or a light coating of oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

• In a large, deep pot, bring lightly salted water to a rolling boil.
• Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente (firm but tender).
• Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

• In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the Sonoma Farm Hot Pepper Olive Oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the sliced onion and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until softened and slightly golden.
• Stir in the flour, cooking for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
• Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until smooth.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, cooking until it thickens slightly (about 1 minute).
• Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and salt until the sauce is smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• In the same pot you used for the pasta, combine:
  Cooked pasta
  Cheese sauce
  Sliced kielbasa
  Diced apples

• Toss everything together until well coated.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

• Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, mounding slightly.
• Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
• Remove the foil, stir gently, and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and sliced scallions over the top.
• Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Let It Rest & Serve

• Allow the pasta bake to rest for 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
• Serve hot, garnished with extra scallions or a drizzle of Sonoma Farm Hot Pepper Olive Oil for added spice.

Pairing Suggestions

Best Side Dishes:

• Garlic Bread: A crispy, buttery side to soak up the cheese sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: Tossed with balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their earthy, nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the apples.

Beverage Pairings:

• White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the creamy, tangy sauce.
• Light Beer: A pale ale or wheat beer balances the spice from the hot pepper oil.
• Cider: A semi-dry apple cider enhances the sweetness of the apples.

Final Thoughts

This Pasta with Sweet Apples & Spicy Sauce is an unexpected yet delicious combination of flavors that works beautifully together. The cheesy, creamy sauce, smoky kielbasa, sweet apples, and spicy hot pepper olive oil create an irresistible dish that’s both comforting and gourmet.

Whether you’re making this for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Try It & Share Your Experience!

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