One-Pot Creamy Kielbasa Pasta

This One-Pot Creamy Kielbasa Pasta is a quick and delicious meal featuring smoky kielbasa sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Made in just one pan, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a comforting and satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One-Pot Convenience – Fewer dishes and easy cleanup.
  • Smoky & Savory Flavor – Kielbasa adds a deep, rich taste.
  • Creamy & Cheesy – A velvety sauce coats the pasta perfectly.
  • Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes!
  • Family-Friendly – A hearty, comforting meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pasta Dish:

  • Kielbasa sausage (sliced)
  • Olive oil (or butter)
  • Onion (chopped)
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • Pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie)
  • Diced tomatoes (canned, drained)
  • Paprika
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt & black pepper

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • Cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • Cream cheese (softened, optional for extra creaminess)

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Fresh parsley (chopped)
  • Red pepper flakes (for heat)

Directions

Step 1: Sauté the Kielbasa

  1. Heat Oil – In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Cook Kielbasa & Onion – Add sliced kielbasa and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. Stir in onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Liquids & Pasta

  1. Pour in Chicken Broth & Cream – Stir in broth, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, and seasonings (paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper).
  2. Add Pasta – Stir in uncooked pasta and bring to a simmer.

Step 3: Cook & Make It Creamy

  1. Cover & Cook – Let simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
  2. Stir in Cheese – Mix in shredded cheddar, Parmesan, and optional cream cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Serve & Garnish

  1. Taste & Adjust Seasoning – Add extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for spice.
  2. Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and enjoy hot!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Version – Add Cajun seasoning or more red pepper flakes.
  • Veggie-Packed – Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
  • Different Sausage – Use smoked sausage, chorizo, or turkey kielbasa.
  • Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta and adjust liquid as needed.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be slightly less rich. You can also use evaporated milk for a creamier texture.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or bowtie holds the sauce well.

Can I use pre-cooked kielbasa?

Yes! Kielbasa is typically pre-cooked, but browning it adds great flavor.

Can I add extra protein?

Sure! Try adding shredded chicken or shrimp.

How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?

If needed, add a splash of broth or cream while reheating.

Is this dish spicy?

No, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to spice it up.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then quick release and stir in the cheese.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Can I use different cheeses?

Absolutely! Try Gouda, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for variety.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Creamy Kielbasa Pasta is a rich, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish perfect for any night of the week. With smoky sausage, a creamy sauce, and tender pasta, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Try it tonight and enjoy a comforting, hassle-free meal!

Print

One-Pot Creamy Kielbasa Pasta

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This One-Pot Creamy Kielbasa Pasta is an easy, comforting meal made with smoky kielbasa, tender pasta, and a rich, cheesy garlic cream sauce—all cooked in just one pot for easy cleanup! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner in under 30 minutes.

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: One-Pot Cooking
  • Cuisine: American, Polish-Inspired

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 12 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for extra richness)

For Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra parmesan cheese


Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Kielbasa

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced kielbasa and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. In the same pot, add onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  2. Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

  1. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
  2. Add pasta and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.

Step 4: Add the Cheese & Kielbasa

  1. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar cheese, parmesan, and butter until melted.
  2. Add the browned kielbasa back to the pot and stir to coat in the creamy sauce.
  3. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

  1. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra parmesan before serving.
  2. Enjoy warm!


Notes

  • Want it lighter? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Spicy Kick? Add extra red pepper flakes or use a spicy kielbasa.
  • Extra Veggies? Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers in Step 2.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star