Name: One Pot Kielbasa Pasta – Creamy, Easy & Family-Approved
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil or butter; 14 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version); 8 oz uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work well); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp paprika; ½ tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I Love This Dish Because It’s A Complete Meal Made In Just One Pot—No Need To Dirty Extra Pans. The Smoked Kielbasa Adds A Deep, Savory Flavor That Pairs Perfectly With The Creamy, Cheesy Sauce And Pasta. It’s Incredibly Simple To Throw Together, Making It Ideal For Weeknight Dinners Or Even Meal Prep. Plus, It’s Endlessly Customizable With Whatever Veggies Or Cheeses I Have On Hand.

Ingredients

(Here’s A Tip: Check Out The Full List Of Ingredients And Measurements In The Recipe Card Below.)

Kielbasa Sausage, Sliced
Olive Oil
Garlic, Minced
Onion, Diced
Chicken Broth
Heavy Cream
Pasta (Penne Or Rotini Works Great)
Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
Parmesan Cheese
Salt And Black Pepper
Paprika (Optional)
Fresh Parsley, Chopped (For Garnish)

Directions

I Start By Heating Olive Oil In A Large Pot Over Medium Heat. Then, I Add The Sliced Kielbasa And Cook Until It’s Browned On Both Sides.
I Stir In The Diced Onion And Minced Garlic, Cooking Until They’re Fragrant And Soft.
Next, I Pour In The Chicken Broth And Heavy Cream, Bringing The Mixture To A Gentle Boil.
I Add The Pasta And Reduce The Heat To A Simmer, Covering The Pot And Cooking Until The Pasta Is Tender—Usually About 12–15 Minutes.
Once The Pasta Is Cooked, I Stir In The Shredded Cheddar And Parmesan Cheese Until Melted And The Sauce Is Creamy.
I Season With Salt, Pepper, And A Bit Of Paprika For Extra Flavor.
I Finish It Off With A Sprinkle Of Fresh Parsley Before Serving.

Servings And Timing

This Recipe Makes About 4–6 Servings. It Takes Roughly 10 Minutes To Prep And 25 Minutes To Cook, So Dinner’s On The Table In Under 40 Minutes.

Variations

I Sometimes Switch Up The Pasta Shape Depending On What I Have In The Pantry—Shells Or Bowties Work Well. For A Spicier Kick, I’ll Use Hot Kielbasa Or Add Red Pepper Flakes. If I Want To Add Some Greens, I Stir In Spinach Or Kale At The End. I’ve Also Tried Using Different Cheeses Like Mozzarella Or Gouda For A Twist On The Creamy Sauce.

Storage/Reheating

I Store Leftovers In An Airtight Container In The Refrigerator For Up To 3 Days. When I Reheat It, I Add A Splash Of Broth Or Cream To Bring Back The Sauce’s Creaminess. It Warms Up Nicely In The Microwave Or On The Stovetop Over Low Heat.

FAQs

What Kind Of Pasta Works Best For This Recipe?

I Prefer Using Short Pasta Like Penne, Rotini, Or Shells—They Hold The Sauce Well And Cook Evenly In One Pot.

Can I Use A Different Sausage Instead Of Kielbasa?

Absolutely. I’ve Made This With Smoked Sausage, Andouille, And Even Italian Sausage. Just Adjust The Seasoning As Needed.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead Of Time?

Yes, I Sometimes Make It A Day In Advance. I Just Reheat It With A Little Extra Cream Or Broth To Keep The Sauce Smooth.

Is There A Way To Make This Lighter?

I’ve Used Half-And-Half Instead Of Heavy Cream And Reduced-Fat Cheese To Make A Lighter Version. It’s Still Creamy And Delicious.

Can I Freeze This Pasta?

I Don’t Usually Recommend Freezing Creamy Pastas, As The Texture Can Change. But If I Do Freeze It, I Make Sure To Reheat Slowly And Stir In Some Fresh Cheese Or Cream To Revive It.

Conclusion

One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Is My Go-To Comfort Meal When I Want Something Quick, Hearty, And Satisfying Without A Ton Of Cleanup. It’s Full Of Rich Flavors And Can Be Easily Adapted To Suit Whatever’s In The Fridge. I Know It’ll Stay On My Dinner Rotation For Good.

One Pot Kielbasa Pasta – Creamy, Easy & Family-Approved