If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that comes together quickly and without a mountain of dirty dishes, then you’re absolutely going to love this One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of smoky kielbasa, tender pasta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and melty mozzarella, all cooked in one pot to make your weeknight dinner effortless yet full of flavor. This dish brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels just like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role — from the smoky kielbasa that adds richness, to the juicy cherry tomatoes brightening up every bite, and the luscious mozzarella that melts perfectly into a creamy finish. Here’s everything you’ll need to make it happen:
- 1 lb (450g) kielbasa sausage, sliced: Choose a flavorful kielbasa for that irresistible smoky base.
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or rotini): These shapes hold the sauce beautifully and cook up just right in the pot.
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved: They burst with fresh sweetness, balancing out the savory flavors.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds depth with its mild sweetness when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds that classic aromatic punch.
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth: The flavorful cooking liquid that infuses the pasta and blends all ingredients.
- 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese (optional): For a creamy, gooey finish—but feel free to skip for a lighter dish.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps brown the kielbasa and soften the veggies perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
How to Make One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Kielbasa
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook it until beautifully browned, about 5 minutes. This step unlocks that deep smoky flavor and creates a tasty base for the entire dish. The sizzling sound alone will get your mouth watering.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together until the onions turn translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes. This builds layers of flavor that add a lovely sweetness and aroma to the dish, making every bite more satisfying.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Bring to Boil
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring everything together. Bringing this mixture to a boil is crucial—it’s what cooks the pasta and infuses the kielbasa’s smoky essence throughout the dish. The broth also helps the cherry tomatoes release their juices creating a natural and delicious sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta and Tomatoes
Add the pasta and halved cherry tomatoes to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover it up, and let it simmer gently for about 10 to 12 minutes. The pasta cooks right in the broth, absorbing all the wonderful flavors, while the tomatoes soften and add a subtle pop of color and sweetness.
Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Season
If you’re using mozzarella cheese, this is the moment to stir it in. Watch it melt into the pasta, transforming the dish into a creamy, dreamy delight. Finally, season everything with salt and pepper to taste. This finishing touch ensures each spoonful bursts with balanced flavor and warmth.
How to Serve One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Recipe right at the table, sprinkle some fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil. A little grated Parmesan on top adds extra nuttiness, while a pinch of red pepper flakes can give a subtle kick if you like a hint of heat. These simple garnishes turn this cozy dish into a pretty, restaurant-worthy presentation.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are also perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce, giving you every last bit of that flavorful goodness. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli add a nice texture contrast and keep things balanced on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Recipe family-style in a big, rustic serving bowl right from the stove. You can also divide it into individual ramekins and broil the tops for a bubbly golden crust. If you want to impress guests, plate it alongside a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil or a dollop of sour cream for a tangy contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish holds up wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors even deepen overnight, making leftovers a tasty second dinner. Just give it a quick stir before reheating to recombine the sauce and ingredients.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze portions, this recipe freezes well without much loss in quality. Cool it completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Frozen One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Recipe can last up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in a splash of water or broth if needed to restore the saucy consistency. This keeps the pasta moist and prevents it from drying out or sticking together.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While kielbasa offers a classic smoky flavor, you can substitute with andouille, chorizo, or even a mild Italian sausage depending on your taste preference. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s cooked through.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the kielbasa with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly while maintaining rich flavor.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne and rotini are preferred because their shapes trap the sauce well. However, other sturdy short pastas like rigatoni or farfalle also work wonderfully. Avoid thin pastas like angel hair as they might overcook during simmering.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely. Simply omit the mozzarella cheese or swap it for a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well. The dish is flavorful enough on its own, so no worries about losing richness.
How spicy is One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Recipe?
Typically, the dish is mild since kielbasa has a smoky, savory profile without much heat. If you love spice, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and onions or sprinkle some on top before serving.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that makes cozy dinners a breeze without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. It’s quick to make, uses straightforward ingredients, and delivers a hearty meal everyone will appreciate. You really can’t go wrong by adding this friendly, flavorful recipe to your weekly dinner rotation—trust me, it’ll become a fast favorite!
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One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pot Kielbasa Pasta is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining smoky kielbasa sausage, tender pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a creamy touch of melted mozzarella, all cooked together in a single pot for easy cleanup. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a satisfying dish that balances hearty protein with comforting carbs and vibrant veggies.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Kielbasa: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step enhances the sausage’s smoky flavor.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring often, until the onion becomes translucent and soft, about 3 minutes, releasing their aromatic flavors.
- Add Broth and Boil: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. This liquid will cook the pasta and meld flavors together.
- Cook Pasta and Tomatoes: Stir in the pasta and halved cherry tomatoes. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the lid and stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, if using. Continue stirring until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the kielbasa pasta hot, garnished with additional cheese or herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use penne or rotini pasta as these shapes hold sauce well, but any short pasta can work.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute kielbasa with a plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
- Make sure to stir occasionally during simmering to avoid pasta sticking to the pot.
- Adding cheese is optional but adds a creamy texture and richness.
- This dish can be made dairy-free by omitting the mozzarella or using a vegan cheese substitute.
