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One Pot Kielbasa Pasta
One of the best things about a cozy weeknight dinner is that it can be both quick and satisfying. One Pot Kielbasa Pasta ticks all the boxes for busy families and anyone who appreciates a hearty meal without the mess of multiple pots and pans. Imagine tender pasta enveloped in a creamy sauce with crunchy kielbasa—the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it never fails to deliver comfort and flavor, making it a go-to for any night of the week.
What Makes This Recipe Special
If you’re looking for dinner that’s both delicious and easy, this dish is a winner. One Pot Kielbasa Pasta is uniquely beneficial because it combines the rich, smoky flavors of kielbasa sausage with creamy pasta, all made in just one pot. This means fewer dishes to wash, which is always a plus! Families love it because it’s kid-approved and oh-so-satisfying. Think about those busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen—this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick, nutritious family meal.
"This dish is my new favorite! Delicious and so easy to make on a weeknight. My kids devoured it!" – A Satisfied Home Cook
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing One Pot Kielbasa Pasta is a breeze, and I’m here to walk you through the process. You’ll begin by pan-frying the kielbasa until golden, which infuses the dish with incredible flavor. Then you’ll sauté garlic and onions, making your kitchen smell heavenly. Finally, the magic happens when you add cream and cheese, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting pasta dish. Here’s a quick overview of how to prepare this delectable meal:
- Sauté kielbasa until browned.
- Add garlic and onion, cooking until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and cream; bring to a simmer.
- Stir in pasta; cover and cook until al dente.
- Mix in cheeses until melted and creamy.
- Season and garnish; then serve hot.
Gather Your Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create this one-pot wonder. You likely have many of these pantry staples at home already!
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 14 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional add-ins like spinach, peas, bell peppers, or red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Directions
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook kielbasa: Add sliced kielbasa and sauté for 4–5 minutes until nicely browned.
- Sauté aromatics: Incorporate minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking for about 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Simmer the base: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a light simmer.
- Add pasta: Stir in the pasta, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is al dente.
- Melt the cheeses: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and creamy, then add shredded cheddar or mozzarella, mixing until melted.
- Season and serve: Adjust flavors with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if desired. Garnish with parsley and serve hot!
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Best Way to Serve
This One Pot Kielbasa Pasta is best served hot right from the pot. Consider topping it with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for added richness. For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, a side salad with mixed greens and a simple vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta. You might also consider pairing it with garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce.
Storage Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers, you can store One Pot Kielbasa Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools down to room temperature before sealing it up. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy, and heat it on low on the stove or in the microwave. Freezing is also an option, but the pasta might lose some texture; you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Expert Advice
For a more robust flavor, consider browning the kielbasa a little longer to develop a deeper caramelization. Substituting turkey kielbasa can lighten the dish while maintaining that great savory taste. If you’re short on time, you can even use pre-chopped onions and garlic from the store, although fresh always adds a lovely touch.
Creative Twists
This recipe is easy to customize based on your preferences. Consider adding fresh spinach or peas for extra nutrients and color. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the mix. For a Mediterranean twist, swap out the cheeses for feta and add in black olives or sun-dried tomatoes.
Common Questions
How long does this One Pot Kielbasa Pasta take to prepare?
On average, it takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne and rotini work great, feel free to use whatever pasta you have on hand, adjusting the cooking time as necessary.
Can I freeze One Pot Kielbasa Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Just remember that pasta may become softer once reheated, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh when possible!
This comforting One Pot Kielbasa Pasta is not just a dinner ideas; it’s a lifesaver for busy evenings, striking that perfect balance between flavor and convenience. Enjoy!
Print
One Pot Kielbasa Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Meat-based
Description
A quick and satisfying one-pot meal featuring tender pasta enveloped in a creamy sauce with crunchy kielbasa.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 14 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional add-ins: spinach, peas, bell peppers, or red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook kielbasa: Add sliced kielbasa and sauté for 4–5 minutes until nicely browned.
- Sauté aromatics: Incorporate minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking for about 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Simmer the base: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a light simmer.
- Add pasta: Stir in the pasta, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is al dente.
- Melt the cheeses: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and creamy, then add shredded cheddar or mozzarella, mixing until melted.
- Season and serve: Adjust flavors with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if desired. Garnish with parsley and serve hot!
Notes
For added richness, top with extra Parmesan. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: kielbasa, pasta, one pot, quick dinner, family meal
