The 34-year-old joins the Magpies on a free transfer after his contract at Swansea was cancelled by mutual consent last month.
Kuqi has agreed a deal that will keep him at Newcastle until the end of the season.
“We needed another option up front, because we’re a little light there due to the temporary loss of Shola, and Shefki will provide us with something different,” Pardew told the club’s official website.
“He’s match fit and knows the English game well having been in the country for the best part of ten years. He is ready straight away and that’s what we wanted.
“Shefki is a good, honest pro who will give us a strong physical presence from the bench.”
