One Pot Kielbasa Pasta

The aroma of sizzling kielbasa fills the kitchen, bringing back memories of cozy family dinners. This One Pot Kielbasa Pasta is a perfect dish that combines flavors seamlessly in just about 30 minutes. The simplicity of one pot cooking means less cleanup, and who doesn’t love that?

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, offering a comforting meal for families or friends alike. It also makes for great leftovers, so consider making a double batch to enjoy throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One pot means easy cleanup after a busy day.
• The combination of smoky kielbasa and creamy cheese creates a rich flavor.
• Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Hearty and satisfying, this dish is sure to please everyone.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to prepare a delicious meal:

For Cooking

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb smoked kielbasa or turkey/chicken sausage, sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 1.5 cups diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Broth

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 10 oz can diced tomatoes

For the Pasta

• 8 oz dry pasta (small pasta)

For the Creamy Finish

• 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

For Serving

• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup thinly sliced scallions (for garnish)

Use turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Smoked sausage for Italian sausage
• Chicken broth for vegetable broth
• Heavy cream for a lower-fat milk alternative
• Cheddar for any favorite melting cheese

How to Make It

Follow these steps to create a delicious meal:

1. Heat

Add olive oil to a 4-5 quart sauté pan over medium high heat.

2. Sauté

Fry the smoked kielbasa and onions until they begin to brown, about 5 minutes.

3. Add Garlic

Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

4. Combine Ingredients

Add chicken broth, tomatoes, milk or cream, pasta, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

5. Simmer

Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.

6. Finish

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese.

7. Melt Cheese

Top with the remaining cheese, cover, and let sit until melted, spotty brown, and bubbly.

8. Serve

Sprinkle with sliced scallions and serve hot.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, pasta doesn’t freeze well.
Reheat: Microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Slice kielbasa evenly for uniform cooking.
• Use a mix of pasta shapes for added texture.
• Simmer gently to prevent pasta from sticking.
• Let the dish sit covered to achieve the perfect melted cheese top.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with crusty bread for a hearty meal.
• Serve with a fresh green salad for a balanced dinner.
• Enjoy on a cozy movie night for a comfort food experience.