One pot creamy Kielbasa pasta
This Easy One Pot Creamy Kielbasa Pasta combines smoky kielbasa sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce all cooked in a single pot. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a comforting, flavorful dinner with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-pot stovetop cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be made gluten free with gluten free pasta
Protein
- 12 oz smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
Pasta
- 8 oz penne or rigatoni pasta (uncooked)
Dairy & Liquids
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Aromatics & Seasonings
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional), to taste
- Prepare the Kielbasa and Aromatics: Slice the kielbasa into bite-sized pieces. In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the kielbasa until it develops a golden crust, then remove and set aside. In the same pot, cook the finely chopped onions and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits left from the kielbasa for extra flavor.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a light simmer. Add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot, stirring carefully to prevent clumping. This allows the pasta to absorb flavors while it cooks, eliminating the need for separate boiling.
- Cook Until Pasta is Tender: Simmer the mixture uncovered, stirring occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. Cook until the pasta is al dente and the sauce thickens, about 12 minutes depending on pasta type. Keep a close eye and stir gently throughout the cooking process.
- Stir in Kielbasa and Cheese: Return the cooked kielbasa to the pot and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the warm sauce, adding a creamy, tangy richness. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
- Final Touch and Serve: Give everything a final gentle stir to ensure the sauce is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- Use quality smoked kielbasa for the best flavor depth.
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Grate your own Parmesan cheese for superior melting and taste.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more cream or broth while cooking.
- Reserve a little cooking water if possible to loosen the sauce when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: one pot pasta, creamy pasta, kielbasa recipe, easy dinner, quick pasta, creamy kielbasa pasta, weeknight meal, smoked sausage pasta