There’s nothing quite as comforting or satisfying as a bowl of One Pot Kielbasa Pasta, especially on those nights when you crave something hearty but don’t want to deal with a pile of dishes. This dish brings together smoky, savory kielbasa, tender penne, and melty cheese for the ultimate creamy, flavor-packed weeknight dinner. Each ingredient works a little magic, transforming a simple skillet into an irresistible meal that’s both fuss-free and family-approved. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just looking for an easy dinner with a big payoff, One Pot Kielbasa Pasta always delivers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines thanks to its honest, wholesome ingredients—each one adds a special touch of flavor, texture, or creaminess. There’s nothing fancy here, just kitchen staples coming together to make One Pot Kielbasa Pasta an instant classic.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the kielbasa to irresistible perfection.
- Kielbasa sausage (14 oz, sliced into rounds): The smoky, juicy star of the dish—use your favorite variety!
- Yellow onion (small, diced): Delivers subtle sweetness and balances the bold flavors.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): A must for savory depth; let it sizzle just until fragrant.
- Penne pasta (1½ cups uncooked): Short pasta that cooks up beautifully and absorbs all the saucy goodness.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (2½ cups): Forms the flavorful base for the sauce while cooking the pasta right in the pot.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Gives the sauce its signature silky, luscious texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Adds sharpness and melt—swap in extra if you love it extra cheesy!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Ensures an ultra-gooey, stretchy finish.
- Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Infuses a gentle smoky warmth and a pop of color.
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances and brightens every bite.
- Black pepper (¼ tsp): For a tiny kick—adjust to your taste.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (¼ tsp, optional): Adds a touch of heat for those who like things spicy.
- Fresh baby spinach (2 cups, optional): Stirred in at the end for vibrant color and a nutritious boost.
How to Make One Pot Kielbasa Pasta
Step 1: Brown the Kielbasa
Start by heating up your olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your sliced kielbasa and let it sizzle away until each piece is perfectly browned on both sides. This step makes all the difference, bringing out those delicious, smoky notes that set the tone for the whole dish.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Toss in the diced onion and let it soften for a couple of minutes, soaking up the flavors left behind by the kielbasa. Once the onion turns translucent, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen starts to smell incredible!
Step 3: Add Pasta, Broth, and Seasonings
Time for the magic of one-pot cooking. Pour in the uncooked penne, chicken broth, heavy cream, and all your seasonings—smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and, for a spark of heat, crushed red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir to combine. This is when anticipation really kicks in!
Step 4: Simmer Everything Together
Bring the whole mixture up to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and cover. Simmer for about 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender but still has a little bite. The sauce will be luscious, and most of the liquid should be absorbed, with just enough left to coat every noodle.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheeses
Remove the lid and sprinkle in both the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until they melt into silky ribbons, creating a creamy sauce that clings to every forkful. If you’re adding spinach, toss it in now and let it wilt into the hot pasta for a pop of green and fresh flavor.
How to Serve One Pot Kielbasa Pasta
Garnishes
Finish with a shower of fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheese on top for a brilliant color contrast and a little fresh flavor. If you love heat, a few more red pepper flakes or even sliced green onions are a fun upgrade.
Side Dishes
One Pot Kielbasa Pasta is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or even cheesy garlic bread. These sides help balance the richness and round out the meal with fresh crunch and plenty of color.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it in shallow bowls for a rustic, family-style meal, or scoop it into individual ramekins for a more elegant twist. You can even pack it up in a thermos for a cozy picnic or workday lunch; this pasta is as delicious warm as it is at room temperature.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, just pop them into an airtight container once completely cooled. The flavors will continue to deepen in the fridge, keeping everything extra tasty for the next couple of days.
Freezing
One Pot Kielbasa Pasta can be frozen, though cream-based sauces may change texture slightly. To freeze, portion the cooled pasta into individual containers, seal tightly, and store for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to keep everything creamy, and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Cheese sauces thicken as they cool, so a little liquid brings them right back to life.
FAQs
Can I swap the kielbasa for another sausage?
Absolutely! Any smoked sausage works well here—turkey sausage, andouille, or even a spicy chorizo if you love a little heat. Just adjust cook time as needed for different thicknesses.
Is there a good substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk in a pinch, though the sauce will be slightly less rich and creamy. Whisking in a bit of cream cheese also helps mimic the luxurious texture of heavy cream.
What if I don’t have penne pasta?
Most short pasta shapes work beautifully, including rigatoni, rotini, or shells. Just aim for similar cooking times so the pasta is perfectly al dente by the end of simmering.
Can I make One Pot Kielbasa Pasta gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta; just keep an eye on the cooking time as it might vary, and stir gently to avoid breaking up the noodles.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
Try using chicken or turkey kielbasa, substitute half-and-half or evaporated skim milk for the cream, and stick with just one type Main Course. You can also load up on spinach for extra nutrition!
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Kielbasa Pasta is the kind of dinner that makes you want to pull up a chair and savor every cozy bite. Give it a try the next time you want a meal that’s easy, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to please—one bite, and it’ll earn a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation!
Print
One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make One Pot Kielbasa Pasta recipe that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This creamy and flavorful dish is a family favorite!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 14 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups uncooked penne pasta
- 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook kielbasa: Add sliced kielbasa and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add diced onion, cook until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in penne pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12–14 minutes until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in cheeses: Remove lid, stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and creamy.
- Add spinach: If using, stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley or extra cheese and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use smoked turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- For extra flavor, consider adding hot sauce or Dijon mustard.
- Adjust cheese amounts based on preference or try pepper jack for a spicy twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
