Pin it
This cozy one pot kielbasa pasta pulls together smoky sausage, tender pasta, and creamy cheddar cheese for a meal that feels like a hug on a busy night. It has become my go to answer for when time is tight but I am craving something hearty and satisfying. Minimal prep and no separate boiling make it weeknight magic.
Every time I make this my family races to the table and rarely are there leftovers. It is the dish that turns an ordinary Thursday into a celebration
Ingredients
- Olive oil: for sautéing adds richness and prevents sticking … seek out a fresh fragrant bottle if possible
- Smoked kielbasa or turkey chicken sausage: brings deep flavor … choose one with a firm texture and natural casing for the best bite
- Diced onion: forms a sweet savory base … look for onions with tight skin and no bruising
- Garlic minced: enhances aroma and sharpness … fresh cloves work best for full flavor
- Low sodium chicken broth: provides moisture and a seasoned backbone
- Canned diced tomatoes: add brightness and umami … opt for fire roasted to boost flavor if you like
- Dry small pasta like penne or shells: cooks evenly in one pot
- Milk or heavy cream: for a creamy silky sauce … whole milk gets close to the richness of cream
- Salt and pepper: for essential seasoning
- Shredded cheddar cheese: melts into a gooey topping … sharp cheddar gives the most flavor
- Thinly sliced scallions: as a fresh colorful garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Sausage and Onion:
- Start with a large sauté pan on medium high heat and add olive oil … warm until just shimmering then add sliced kielbasa and diced onion … cook for about five minutes stirring occasionally until the meat is lightly browned and the onions turn soft and golden
- Bloom the Garlic:
- Stir in minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds … you will know it is ready when the garlic becomes super fragrant … do not let it brown as it can turn bitter
- Simmer Everything Together:
- Pour in chicken broth and add diced tomatoes with their juices dry pasta milk or cream and your salt and pepper … stir everything so the pasta is submerged … bring to a gentle simmer then cover partially with a lid and cook for about fifteen minutes stirring a couple times until the pasta is tender
- Make It Cheesy:
- Take the skillet off the heat and scatter in half the cheddar cheese … stir until melted and saucy
- Finish and Serve:
- Top with the remaining cheese and cover the pan for two or three minutes until the cheese is bubbly with toasted browned spots … scatter sliced scallions over and serve straight from the skillet
Pin it
Cheese is always the best part in my house … the way it melts into silky strings brings everyone running to the kitchen … this was my go to dish for bringing to family movie night and it has since become a requested comfort meal
Storage Tips
Leftovers store well covered in the refrigerator for three to four days … reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess … I have even frozen small portions and they heat up surprisingly well for a quick lunch
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to swap the kielbasa for any flavorful sausage you love … to make it vegetarian skip the sausage and use veggie broth then stir in sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for depth … gluten free pasta works too just keep an eye on the cook time
Serving Suggestions
Pair this one pot pasta with a crisp green salad and toasted bread for a full meal … sometimes I add baby spinach or broccoli florets in the last five minutes to sneak in more veggies … it is just as at home at a potluck as it is for a fast family dinner
Pin it
Historical and Cultural Context
Smoked sausage and noodle dishes are found across Eastern European families … often cooked in one pot for convenience especially during cold months … this recipe takes that classic idea and adapts it for the modern kitchen while still delivering comforting familiar flavors
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use other sausages besides kielbasa?
Absolutely. Smoked turkey or chicken sausage works well, offering similar texture and a lighter flavor.
- → What pasta shape is best for this dish?
Small pastas like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni hold the sauce perfectly and cook evenly in the skillet.
- → Can I make it ahead for meal prep?
Yes, store in airtight containers and reheat gently for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
- → Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Use a plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese alternative for a creamy texture without the dairy.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan?
Stir occasionally while simmering and ensure there's enough liquid to cook the pasta through.
- → What can I serve with this meal?
Pair with a green salad or garlic bread for a complete, well-rounded dinner.