This One Pot Kielbasa Pasta is the weeknight dinner hero you didn’t know you needed! It’s smoky, creamy, perfectly cheesy, and ready in just about 30 minutes. Everything comes together in a single pot—yes, even the pasta—so cleanup is blissfully minimal. The savory kielbasa infuses the whole dish with bold flavor, while the creamy sauce wraps every bite in comforting richness. It’s hearty, satisfying, and guaranteed to be a new family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot—less cleanup, more time to relax.
Big Flavor, Low Effort: Kielbasa delivers deep, smoky flavor with zero fuss.

Perfect for Busy Nights: With minimal prep and no complicated steps, it’s ideal for hectic evenings.
Crowd-Pleaser: This creamy, cheesy pasta is a hit with both adults and kids alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious, fuss-free dinner:

Kielbasa: The star of the show—smoky, juicy, and full of flavor. Slice it into rounds so it browns up beautifully.

Pasta: Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best. They cook evenly and soak up the creamy sauce perfectly.
Onion: Adds a sweet, savory base to the dish. Dice it finely so it melts into the sauce.

Garlic: Brings depth and a little kick—don’t skimp!

Chicken broth: Helps cook the pasta right in the pot and adds savory flavor to the sauce.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce ultra creamy and luscious. You can sub with half-and-half, but full cream gives the richest result.

Shredded cheese: Sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack melt well and give the sauce a gooey, cheesy goodness.

Paprika: Smoked paprika deepens the smoky profile and enhances the kielbasa.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste—start small and adjust as needed after the cheese is added.

Fresh parsley: For a pop of color and brightness at the end.

Variations

Spicy Twist: Use spicy kielbasa or toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Add Veggies: Stir in chopped bell peppers, spinach, or peas for extra color and nutrition.

Different Proteins: Swap kielbasa for smoked turkey sausage, Italian sausage, or even grilled chicken.

Low-Dairy Option: Use unsweetened almond milk and reduce the cheese slightly if you’re watching dairy.

How to Make One Pot Kielbasa Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Kielbasa

In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, sauté the sliced kielbasa over medium heat until it’s nicely browned and caramelized on both sides. Remove and set aside—this step builds tons of flavor!

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In the same pot, add diced onions. Cook until soft and translucent, then stir in the garlic. Let it cook for just about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Liquids

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the dry pasta and bring everything to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Kielbasa

Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Return the kielbasa to the pot and stir everything together.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and serve hot!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use a nonstick or enameled pot to prevent the cheese and cream from sticking.
Slice kielbasa slightly on the diagonal for more surface area and better browning.

Keep stirring the pasta occasionally so it cooks evenly and doesn’t clump.

Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the pasta.

How to Serve

This pasta is a meal in itself, but if you want to round it out:

With a Side:

A simple green salad with a zippy vinaigrette balances the richness.

Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up extra sauce.

Garnishes:

A sprinkle of extra cheese on top.

A dash of hot sauce for those who like it spicy.

Freshly cracked black pepper for a final flavor pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

While you can freeze it, the cream sauce may separate slightly when reheated. For best results, freeze before adding the cheese, then stir it in fresh when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a pot over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Short pastas like rotini, bowties, or shells work great. Just make sure they’re not too thick or they may need extra liquid or time to cook.

Can I make this recipe without cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk in a pinch, though the sauce will be a bit less rich. Add a touch of cream cheese to thicken if needed.

Is this dish spicy?
Not inherently—kielbasa is usually smoky, not spicy. But you can spice it up with hot sausage or crushed red pepper flakes.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that the kielbasa and broth are gluten-free too. Keep an eye on cooking time, as GF pasta cooks a bit differently.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Kielbasa Pasta is exactly what weeknight dreams are made of—fast, flavorful, and satisfying without a mountain of dishes afterward. It’s the kind of dish you’ll crave again and again, and once you try it, don’t be surprised if it lands in your regular rotation. Go ahead, grab that skillet and make magic tonight!

One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Recipe