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
- Heat Oil – In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- 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
- Pour in Chicken Broth & Cream – Stir in broth, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, and seasonings (paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper).
- Add Pasta – Stir in uncooked pasta and bring to a simmer.
Step 3: Cook & Make It Creamy
- Cover & Cook – Let simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in Cheese – Mix in shredded cheddar, Parmesan, and optional cream cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Serve & Garnish
- Taste & Adjust Seasoning – Add extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for spice.
- 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!
PrintOne-Pot Creamy Kielbasa Pasta
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American, Polish-Inspired
Ingredients
- 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
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
- 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
- In the same pot, add onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- 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
- Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar cheese, parmesan, and butter until melted.
- Add the browned kielbasa back to the pot and stir to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra parmesan before serving.
- 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.