Name: One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 14 oz smoked kielbasa (sliced into ½-inch rounds); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained); 8 oz uncooked penne or rotini pasta; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Salt to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish

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Imagine gathering your loved ones around the dinner table for a steaming, creamy, and comforting meal that comes together in just one pot—introducing One Pot Kielbasa Pasta. This irresistible dish is the ultimate weeknight hero, brimming with smoky, satisfying kielbasa, tender pasta, a velvety cheddar cheese sauce, and a pop of freshness from tomatoes and herbs. Whether you’re craving a hearty main or need a fuss-free way to feed a hungry crew, One Pot Kielbasa Pasta’s big flavors, minimal cleanup, and rave-worthy results will absolutely win you over!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you’ll be amazed at the layers of flavor in this recipe. Each item has its own unique role in building the hearty, creamy, and vibrant personality of One Pot Kielbasa Pasta. Here’s what you’ll need and why each element matters:

Kielbasa (14 oz, sliced into ½-inch rounds): The star of the show, smoked kielbasa brings savory depth and a hint of spice that lingers through every bite.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): A quick sauté in olive oil helps brown the kielbasa and builds a fantastic flavor base for the whole dish.
Onion (1 small, diced): Onion delivers subtle sweetness and a background savoriness that makes the sauce sing.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Garlic adds irresistible aroma and complexity; don’t skip it!
Chicken Broth (2 cups): This boosts the savory factor and ensures the pasta cooks up flavorful and not bland.
Heavy Cream (1 cup): For ultimate richness, heavy cream turns the sauce luxuriously creamy and satisfying.
Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz can, undrained): Tomatoes add acidity and color, perfectly balancing the cheese and sausage.
Uncooked Pasta (8 oz penne or rotini): Sturdy shapes catch all the saucy goodness and hold up to simmering in one pot.
Cheddar Cheese (1½ cups, shredded): Melty cheddar forms the centerpiece of the creamy sauce—sharp or mild works!
Smoked Paprika (½ teaspoon): This adds subtle smokiness and a deep red hue that ties into the sausage’s earthy flavors.
Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Freshly cracked pepper lends just the right amount of gentle heat and pep.
Salt (to taste): Season to preference and watch all the flavors pop.
Chopped Parsley (for garnish): A shower of fresh herbs finishes the dish with brightness and color.

How to Make One Pot Kielbasa Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Kielbasa

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sliced kielbasa and let it sizzle for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for beautiful browning on the edges—as the sausage caramelizes, it releases smoky, savory notes that will infuse the whole dish with flavor. This simple step sets the stage for a truly mouthwatering One Pot Kielbasa Pasta!

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Once the sausage is nicely browned, add your diced onion straight to the pot. Sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes until softened, then stir in the minced garlic. Let everything cook together for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant. The onion becomes sweet and the garlic adds extra depth, making the base of your sauce even more delicious.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta

Now, pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and undrained diced tomatoes. Give it all a good stir to combine. Next, add your uncooked pasta, smoked paprika, black pepper, and a touch of salt. Stir again so the pasta is evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid. These flavors will meld together while the pasta cooks, and you’re well on your way to a stellar One Pot Kielbasa Pasta.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Turn up the heat and bring the pot to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it all simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Give everything a few stirs as it cooks to keep the pasta from sticking. You’ll know it’s done when the noodles are tender and perfectly coated in that creamy, tomato-cheese sauce.

Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Serve

With the heat off, sprinkle in that glorious shredded cheddar and stir until it melts and the sauce turns luscious and smooth. Taste and season with more salt if needed. Top with a generous handful of chopped parsley, and your One Pot Kielbasa Pasta is officially ready to wow the table!

How to Serve One Pot Kielbasa Pasta

Garnishes

Finishing touches make all the difference. A sprinkle of fresh parsley livens up the bowl with color and a hint of herbal brightness. For extra oomph, try a dusting of parmesan cheese or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Don’t be shy—your One Pot Kielbasa Pasta loves to be dressed up!

Side Dishes

Because this pasta is satisfyingly rich and hearty, lighter sides work beautifully. A crisp green salad with lemony dressing or simple steamed veggies help balance each bite. Crusty garlic bread or a warm, rustic baguette makes the ideal sidekick for soaking up that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your pasta presentation from homey to impressive by serving it in wide, shallow bowls or deep plates. For family gatherings, try dishing it up family-style in the center of the table with extra garnishes on the side. Or scoop into individual ramekins and broil for a few minutes to form a cheesy, golden crust—a totally irresistible twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pot Kielbasa Pasta stores like a champ. Once cooled, spoon any extras into an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three days, and the flavors deepen overnight, making lunchtime leftovers a genuine treat.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish for future busy nights! Make sure the pasta has cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to avoid a grainy sauce.

Reheating

For reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce, as it thickens when chilled. Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in intervals, stirring occasionally, until piping hot. Stir well so the cheese stays silky and smooth!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While kielbasa is classic for this recipe’s smoky depth, you can try andouille, smoked turkey sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage for a different flavor profile. Just make sure the sausage you choose is pre-cooked and slice it into bite-sized pieces.

What’s the best pasta shape for One Pot Kielbasa Pasta?

Short, sturdy shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni work beautifully, as they hold up to simmering and catch plenty of sauce in every bite. Feel free to use what you have on hand, just keep an eye on the simmer time if you switch pasta types.

Can I lighten up this recipe?

If you want a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, and reduce the cheese slightly. You can also toss in extra veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to boost nutrition without sacrificing flavor!

How do I make this dish spicier?

For spicy fans, opt for spicy kielbasa or stir in red pepper flakes with the liquids. You can also use pepper jack cheese in place of cheddar to add an extra layer of heat and zing that pairs beautifully with the smoky sausage.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double One Pot Kielbasa Pasta to feed a crowd. Just use a larger pot to accommodate the extra volume, and make sure to stir frequently so the pasta cooks evenly. You might need to add a splash more broth to keep things creamy and prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re feeding a weekday crowd or simply craving an ultra-comforting meal, One Pot Kielbasa Pasta is joy in a bowl. I hope you’re as smitten with this easy, flavor-packed dish as we are! Give it a try, put your own spin on it, and get ready for dinner to become the highlight of everyone’s day.

One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One Pot Kielbasa Pasta is a delicious and creamy pasta dish that combines smoked kielbasa, tender pasta, and a cheesy sauce in one skillet for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

14 oz smoked kielbasa (sliced into ½-inch rounds)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
8 oz uncooked penne or rotini pasta
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Instructions:

Heat olive oil: In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
Cook kielbasa: Add sliced kielbasa and cook until lightly browned.
Sauté onion and garlic: Add diced onion, sauté, then stir in garlic.
Add liquids and pasta: Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, pasta, paprika, pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil.
Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until pasta is tender.
Add cheese: Remove from heat, stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Notes:

For a spicier version, use spicy kielbasa or add red pepper flakes.
You can substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One Pot
Cuisine: American