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
Scale
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.
