If you’re a fan of easy dinners that pack tons of flavor and come together in just one pan (hello, fewer dishes!), then you’re absolutely going to love this One Pot Kielbasa Pasta. It’s got that smoky sausage flavor, a creamy tomato base, and pasta cooked to perfection—all in under 30 minutes. This is one of those recipes that disappears fast at my dinner table, and I know your family will feel the same.

The beauty of this dish is its simplicity. Just a handful of ingredients, minimal prep, and everything cooks together, allowing the flavors to build as it simmers. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a hearty meal that feels a little indulgent, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Let’s get into the step-by-step so you can see just how easy it is to whip this up!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Here’s everything you’ll want to grab from your pantry or fridge:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 14 oz beef kielbasa, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 8 oz uncooked pasta (penne or rotini work great)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

HOW TO MAKE ONE POT KIELBASA PASTA

STEP 1: BROWN THE KIELBASA

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add in the sliced kielbasa. Cook it for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges are golden brown and lightly crisped. This step really brings out the smoky flavor of the sausage, which is key to the whole dish.

STEP 2: SAUTÉ THE ONIONS AND GARLIC

Next, add the diced onions to the pan and sauté for 2–3 minutes, until they’re just beginning to soften. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds—just long enough for it to become fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn!

SIMPLE STEPS FOR CREAMY, FLAVORFUL ONE POT KIELBASA PASTA

We’re picking up right where we left off, and now comes the part where all the flavors come together in the best possible way. This is one of my favorite points in any one-pot meal—the simmer. Everything starts mingling and smelling amazing. Let’s dive into the rest of the process!

STEP 3: ADD THE LIQUIDS AND PASTA

Once your onions and garlic are softened and fragrant, it’s time to add the main ingredients that create that creamy base. Pour in the chicken broth, the entire can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (don’t drain them), the heavy cream, and your uncooked pasta.

Give everything a good stir to make sure the pasta is submerged and evenly coated. Trust me, the pasta is going to soak up all that flavor as it cooks, so don’t skip a single stir!

STEP 4: SIMMER UNTIL PASTA IS TENDER

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover your skillet or pan with a lid and let it simmer for about 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the pasta isn’t sticking to the bottom.

Check the pasta around the 12-minute mark—it should be tender but not mushy. Depending on your stove and the type of pasta you’re using, it might take a minute or two longer.

STEP 5: STIR IN THE CHEESE

When the pasta is perfectly cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. This is where the magic happens—the cheese melts into the sauce and creates a rich, creamy texture that coats every bite.

If you’re using a nonstick pan, make sure to use a silicone or wooden spatula so you can really scrape the bottom and mix everything without damaging your pan.

STEP 6: SEASON AND GARNISH

Taste your pasta and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Depending on how salty your broth and cheese were, you might not need much. Then, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. It’s optional, but definitely adds a nice touch when serving.

QUICK TIPS FOR THE BEST ONE POT PASTA

Here are a few helpful pointers to make sure your kielbasa pasta turns out perfectly every time:

• Use day-old pasta? Nope! This one is all about cooking everything fresh in the same pan—no precooking needed. Just toss the dry pasta right in with the liquid.
• Prefer it spicier? Swap in hot kielbasa or add a dash of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.
• Add veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach can easily be stirred in with the onions or during the final few minutes of cooking.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ONE POT KIELBASA PASTA

If you’re making this for the first time, or even if it’s becoming one of your go-to weeknight meals, here are some of the most common questions people have about this recipe.

Can I use a different kind of sausage instead of kielbasa?

Absolutely! Smoked sausage, turkey sausage, or even andouille sausage work great. Just make sure it’s pre-cooked like kielbasa so it browns easily and doesn’t need extra cooking time.

What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne and rotini are great because they hold onto the sauce and cook evenly. That said, you can use other short pastas like elbow macaroni or shells—just keep an eye on cooking times and liquid absorption.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can, but it’s definitely best served fresh. If you do make it ahead, store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up before reheating.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes! Add red pepper flakes or use spicy kielbasa or hot Rotel to turn up the heat. You can also stir in a bit of hot sauce at the end for some extra kick.

What should I serve with kielbasa pasta?

Honestly, it’s pretty filling on its own! But if you want to serve a side, a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli pairs well to balance out the richness of the dish.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can try using a dairy-free cream alternative and a plant-based cheese. The texture might be slightly different, but it should still taste delicious.

A SATISFYING, ONE-POT DINNER YOUR FAMILY WILL ASK FOR AGAIN

There’s just something about creamy, cheesy pasta and smoky sausage that makes this dish a total hit. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together in one pan with minimal effort. That’s a big win in my kitchen, and I hope it will be in yours too!

If you try this One Pot Kielbasa Pasta, let me know how it turns out! I love hearing from readers who’ve made the recipes—and especially those who’ve added their own spin. Feel free to drop a comment with your tweaks or suggestions, and don’t forget to share it with someone who could use an easy weeknight dinner idea.

Until next time, happy cooking and enjoy every bite!

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