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One Pot Creamy Kielbasa Pasta: Easy Weeknight Dinner

Close-up of creamy kielbasa pasta featuring penne, sliced sausage, and tomatoes, garnished with parsley.

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Make this delicious, creamy kielbasa pasta right in one pot for a quick, comforting meal with minimal cleanup. It is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
  • 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini work well)
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Slice the kielbasa sausage into half-inch pieces.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pot.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the dry pasta, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the pot. Stir everything together.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Stir in the heavy cream and the cooked kielbasa sausage. Cook for 2 more minutes until heated through.
  8. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
  9. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley. This recipe is a favorite for quick 30 minute pasta meals.

Notes

  • For a Cajun Sausage Pasta variation, add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning when you add the Italian seasoning.
  • If you prefer a cheesier version, try this as a Kielbasa Mac and Cheese variation by using cheddar cheese and adding a bit more cream.
  • This recipe is budget friendly and uses simple sausage and pasta ingredients.

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