One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together quickly with just one pot, I have to share this One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Recipe that has become a household favorite. Imagine smoky, perfectly browned kielbasa sausage mingling with tender pasta and juicy cherry tomatoes, all bathed in a luscious, garlicky broth that turns into a creamy sauce as it cooks. It’s a cozy, satisfying dish packed with simple ingredients that deliver big on taste, making weeknight dinners feel like a treat without all the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully straightforward yet essential; each one adds its own magic to the dish’s balance of flavors and textures. From the hearty kielbasa to the fresh burst of cherry tomatoes, everything works together to make this One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Recipe shine.
- Kielbasa sausage, 1 lb (450g): The star protein, smoky and savory, that brings bold flavor and satisfying texture.
- Pasta (penne or rotini), 12 oz (340g): Choose shapes that hold sauce well, creating great bites in every forkful.
- Cherry tomatoes, 1 cup (150g), halved: Add a pop of color and natural sweetness to balance the savory kielbasa.
- Onion, 1, chopped: Builds a fragrant base that deepens the dish’s overall savoriness.
- Garlic, 3 cloves, minced: Provides aromatic warmth and richness.
- Chicken broth, 2 cups (480ml): The cooking liquid that infuses the pasta with flavor, making the sauce light yet satisfying.
- Mozzarella cheese, 1 cup (120g), shredded (optional): Melts into a creamy finish, adding indulgence and gooey texture.
- Olive oil, 2 tbsp: For browning the kielbasa and sautéing aromatics, delivering a silky mouthfeel.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: To season perfectly and bring all the flavors together harmoniously.
How to Make One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Kielbasa
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced kielbasa and cook it until it’s beautifully browned, which usually takes about 5 minutes. This step is crucial because it caramelizes the sausage, intensifying its smoky flavor and creating a mouthwatering base for the dish.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onion turns translucent and soft, about 3 minutes. This moves the flavors from sharp and raw into sweet, aromatic goodness that will elevate the entire pasta.
Step 3: Bring Broth to a Boil
Pour in the chicken broth and crank the heat until it comes to a boil. The broth is what will cook the pasta and pull all the flavors from the kielbasa, onion, and garlic into one delicious pot.
Step 4: Cook Pasta with Tomatoes
Once boiling, add the pasta and halved cherry tomatoes to the pot. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes, until the pasta is perfectly tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. The tomatoes will soften and add bright bursts of flavor throughout.
Step 5: Stir in Mozzarella
If you’re using mozzarella (highly recommended for that creamy love), stir it in while the pasta is still hot. Watch it melt into a silky, cheesy coating that makes this One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Recipe irresistibly creamy and rich.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, season the dish with salt and pepper to your liking. Give everything a good stir, taste, and adjust if needed. Then, serve up this hearty, savory pasta hot and enjoy every comforting bite!
How to Serve One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For a little fresh flair, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice subtle kick if you like some heat. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving also brings a lovely fruitiness and gloss.
Side Dishes
Since this One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Recipe is filling on its own, I love pairing it with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Crusty garlic bread or oven-roasted vegetables also make fantastic companions, rounding out the meal with contrasting textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or make dinner feel extra special? Serve the pasta in wide, shallow bowls to show off all the colorful ingredients. You can also sprinkle extra cheese at the table or offer lemon wedges for a fresh zing that brightens each serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making it a perfect next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta dish in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. To avoid a watery texture when thawed, leave out the cheese if you plan to freeze, and add fresh cheese when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to refresh the sauce. Stir often until warmed through and creamy again, then add cheese if desired for that luscious finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While kielbasa adds a great smoky flavor, smoked sausage or even andouille can be delicious substitutes. Just make sure it’s pre-cooked for the best results.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or bowties are ideal because they hold onto the sauce and mix beautifully with the sausage and tomatoes.
Is it okay to leave out the cheese?
Yes, the mozzarella is optional. The dish will still be flavorful and satisfying without it, though cheese adds a creamy, indulgent touch.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure your broth and sausage don’t contain any gluten ingredients.
How spicy is this dish?
The original recipe is mild, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of paprika if you want a little heat to spice things up.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Recipe brings together convenience and bold, comforting flavors in the best possible way. It’s one of those dishes you’ll want to keep on your regular rotation for busy nights or anytime you crave a satisfying, fuss-free meal. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings 1x
Description
This One Pot Kielbasa Pasta is a quick, hearty meal featuring savory kielbasa sausage, tender pasta, and fresh cherry tomatoes all cooked together in a single pot. With minimal cleanup and simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. The addition of mozzarella cheese adds a creamy finish, making it comforting and flavorful.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 lb (450g) kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Liquids
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
Other
- 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Kielbasa: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned and slightly crisp around the edges, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the kielbasa. Cook for about 3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Broth and Boil: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring the flavors meld together and the liquid heats through.
- Cook Pasta and Tomatoes: Stir in the pasta and halved cherry tomatoes. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cheese: If using, stir in shredded mozzarella cheese until it melts and creates a creamy texture, evenly coating the pasta and sausage mixture.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and serve hot for a satisfying, one-pot meal.
Notes
- You can substitute kielbasa with any smoked sausage or chorizo if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta to avoid mushiness; keep an eye during simmering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
