One Pot Kielbasa Pasta
Creamy One Pot Kielbasa Pasta made with smoked sausage, pasta, and cheese—ready in just 30 minutes! A quick and comforting dinner that’s easy to customize and clean up.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz pasta penne or rotini
- 3½ cups chicken broth or water + bouillon
For the Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 14 oz kielbasa sliced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup spinach chopped
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
Sauté the aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and sliced kielbasa. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the sausage is lightly browned.
Cook the pasta:
- Add dry pasta and chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Make it creamy:
- Lower the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Season and customize:
- Add paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or red pepper flakes if using. Let cook for 1–2 more minutes until spinach wilts.
Serve and enjoy:
- Plate warm and garnish with fresh parsley or extra cheese.
Notes
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to revive the creamy texture.
Substitutions: Use gluten-free pasta or dairy-free cream alternatives if needed.
Add Veggies: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas work well.
Protein Swap: Try it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or turkey sausage.
Spice it Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like heat.