Craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s quick and easy to make? This One-Pot Kielbasa Pasta is your answer! Smoky kielbasa sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy, flavorful sauce come together in just one pot for a dish that’s as convenient as it is delicious.
Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe is packed with bold flavors and requires minimal cleanup.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a satisfying family dinner, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients Overview
- Kielbasa: Smoky, savory sausage that adds depth and richness to the dish.
- Pasta: Penne, rotini, or any short pasta works perfectly.
- Vegetables: Onion, garlic, and diced tomatoes for a flavorful base.
- Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth adds moisture and enhances the flavors.
- Cream: Heavy cream or half-and-half creates a luscious, creamy sauce.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
For the Pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb kielbasa sausage (sliced into rounds)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Kielbasa and Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the kielbasa and set aside. In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
Step 2: Add the Pasta and Broth
Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, pasta, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Return the cooked kielbasa to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Nutrition (per serving, ~6 servings)
- Calories: ~550
- Fat: ~35g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Protein: ~20g
Expert Tips
- Pasta Choice: Use gluten-free pasta if needed, but adjust cooking time as necessary.
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, smoked sausage, Italian sausage, or even chicken sausage work well.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but the pasta may absorb more liquid as it sits. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.
Storing & Reheating
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Substitutions & Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese.
- Vegetarian: Substitute kielbasa with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
- Extra Cheesy: Add more cheddar or a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and Gouda.
One-Pot Kielbasa Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Cook the Kielbasa and Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the kielbasa and set aside. In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
- Step 2: Add the Pasta and Broth
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, pasta, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Return the cooked kielbasa to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
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