If you love meals that come together quickly without sacrificing flavor, this One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine tender pasta soaking up savory chicken broth, juicy cherry tomatoes bursting with freshness, and smoky slices of kielbasa sausage all mingling beautifully in one pot. It’s comfort food made simple, satisfying, and downright delightful—perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a hearty, cheesy dish with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe thrives on simplicity, and the ingredients reflect that. Each element plays a key role in delivering layers of taste, texture, and vibrant color to your plate without any fuss.
- Kielbasa sausage: Provides a smoky, hearty flavor and protein-packed bite; slicing it ensures even cooking and maximum flavor release.
- Pasta (penne or rotini): The perfect shapes that hold sauce and mix-ins well, creating a satisfying texture with every forkful.
- Cherry tomatoes: Add natural sweetness and a pop of bright color, balancing the savory sausage beautifully.
- Onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed, enhancing the whole dish.
- Garlic: Infuses the pasta with warm, aromatic notes that awaken the senses.
- Chicken broth: The cooking liquid that flavors the pasta deeply while keeping everything moist and tender.
- Mozzarella cheese (optional): Melts into creamy goodness, making the dish decadently rich and irresistibly gooey.
- Olive oil: Used for browning the kielbasa and sautéing veggies, adding a smooth, fruity undertone.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that lift and balance all the flavors.
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. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until it’s beautifully browned, about five minutes. This step not only locks in the sausage’s smoky richness but also creates flavorful bits that will infuse your whole dish.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Next, toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic into the pot. Sauté them until the onions become soft and translucent, around three minutes. This builds a fragrant base with natural sweetness and a little savory punch from the garlic.
Step 3: Add Chicken Broth and Boil
Pour the chicken broth into the pot, stirring to incorporate all the browned bits stuck to the bottom. Bring it to a rolling boil. This broth serves both as cooking liquid and a flavor booster, making sure every bite is juicy and tasty.
Step 4: Cook Pasta and Tomatoes Together
Now add your pasta and halved cherry tomatoes. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. Watch as the pasta absorbs the broth, and the tomatoes soften just enough to release their sweetness, roughly 10 to 12 minutes.
Step 5: Stir in Mozzarella Cheese and Season
Once the pasta is tender, stir in shredded mozzarella if you like that creamy, cheesy finish. It melts right in and takes the dish to another level of comfort food goodness. Finally, season it with salt and pepper to taste. Your One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance this dish with fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little extra warmth. A touch of grated Parmesan goes perfectly over the top, adding sharpness and texture contrast.
Side Dishes
Since this pasta packs a punch on its own, keep sides simple with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables also complement the flavors nicely while adding extra nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual bowls topped with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of good quality olive oil. Or try layering it in a shallow baking dish, sprinkle extra mozzarella, and briefly broil it to achieve a bubbly golden crust that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, so you’ll find it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, do so before adding the cheese. Pasta can get a bit mushy after freezing, but the sausage and sauce freeze beautifully. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and stir in fresh mozzarella during reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out. Stir frequently until heated through and creamy again, especially if you’ve added cheese.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While kielbasa brings a unique smoky flavor, smoked sausage, chorizo, or even Italian sausage can be delicious substitutes depending on your preference.
Is this pasta recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply swap the regular pasta for a gluten-free variety. The cooking times might vary slightly, so keep an eye on the pasta as it simmers.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms work beautifully with this recipe. Add them after sautéing the onions and garlic to keep things tender and flavorful.
What cheese works best if I don’t have mozzarella?
Try shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of cream cheese for silky richness. Each will give a slightly different but equally creamy finish.
How spicy is the One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Recipe?
On its own, it’s mild and comforting. You can always add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to bring in some heat according to your taste.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Recipe has everything you want in a quick, comforting meal—simplicity, warmth, and a burst of satisfying flavors all mingled in one pot for easy cleanup. I hope you’ll give it a try soon; it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection just like it’s been in mine.
Print
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
A hearty and comforting one-pot meal combining savory kielbasa sausage, tender pasta, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all cooked together in a flavorful broth. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Sausage and Pasta
- 1 lb (450g) kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or rotini)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Cheese
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Others
- 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 until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Browning the sausage first develops deep flavor for the dish.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the kielbasa. Sauté together until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, approximately 3 minutes.
- Add Broth and Bring to Boil: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. This will form the cooking liquid for the pasta.
- Cook Pasta and Tomatoes: Stir in the pasta and halved cherry tomatoes. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let simmer until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Melt Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, if using, until melted and creamy throughout the dish.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve the pasta hot for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use penne or rotini pasta for best texture; smaller shapes might get mushy.
- The mozzarella cheese is optional but adds a creamy, melty texture.
- For a spicier twist, try using smoked kielbasa or adding crushed red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
