One Pot Kielbasa Pasta: A Quick, Creamy, and Flavor-Packed Dinner
Busy nights call for simple, satisfying meals — and this One Pot Kielbasa Pasta is the perfect answer. It’s hearty, creamy, loaded with smoky sausage flavor, and comes together in about 30 minutes using just one pot (yes, really!). That means less mess, less stress, and more time to enjoy your meal.
With tender pasta, flavorful kielbasa sausage, and a rich, savory sauce, this dish is a weeknight winner the whole family will love — even the picky eaters.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🥘 One pot = easy cleanup
⏱️ Ready in 30 minutes or less
🧀 Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor
🍽️ Family-friendly & budget-friendly
🔁 Great for leftovers (tastes even better the next day!)
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
12–14 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
1 small onion, diced
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk or heavy cream
8 oz uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work great)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but adds depth)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
1. Sauté the Kielbasa
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside if you prefer it extra crispy, or leave it in the pot for a more blended flavor.
2. Cook the Aromatics
Add diced onion to the pot and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Liquids & Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and milk (or cream). Stir to combine, then add the uncooked pasta and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
4. Simmer Until Tender
Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed. If needed, add a splash more broth or milk.
5. Make It Creamy & Cheesy
Stir in the shredded cheese and return the cooked kielbasa to the pot (if removed earlier). Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Season & Serve
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips & Variations
Add veggies: Stir in spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers in the last few minutes of cooking for a full one-pot meal.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy kielbasa for some heat.
Dairy-free option: Use a non-dairy milk and skip the cheese, or use a dairy-free alternative.
Perfect For…
Weeknight dinners
Meal prepping (hello, easy lunches!)
Cold weather comfort food
Feeding a crowd on a budget
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Kielbasa Pasta is the ultimate comfort food for busy nights. It’s rich, creamy, and smoky, with minimal prep and cleanup — just toss everything in one pot and let the magic happen. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, this recipe is bound to make it into your regular dinner rotation.
