One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Dish

Featured in: Effortless Meals in One Dish

This flavorful dish combines smoky kielbasa, sautéed onions, and garlic with tender pasta in a creamy, tomato-infused sauce. Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup simple and infusing every bite with savory depth. Melty Cheddar cheese and fresh scallion garnish finish this hearty meal. Perfect for busy nights, it offers satisfying comfort with minimal effort and lets you enjoy rich, robust flavors with little cleanup.

Tags: #halal #north-american #one-pot #family-friendly #budget-friendly #high-protein #easy #under-30-minutes #dinner

A woman in a chef's hat smiles for the camera.
By Sana Rose
Updated on Mon, 30 Jun 2025 21:35:33 GMT
A bowl of pasta with sausage and vegetables, likely a one pot kielbasa pasta dish. Pin it
A bowl of pasta with sausage and vegetables, likely a one pot kielbasa pasta dish. | recipebyme.com

This one pot kielbasa pasta is comfort food for busy nights when you want a hearty meal and minimal cleanup. Savory smoked sausage, creamy cheese, and tender pasta simmer together in just one pan creating a dish that feels like an instant family classic.

I still remember the first time I made this after a hectic workday and my family could not believe it took just half an hour. This recipe instantly became our go to for chilly nights.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the sausage. Choose an extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.
  • Smoked kielbasa or turkey or chicken sausage: Brings smoky depth. Opt for high quality sausage with visible herbs and spices for extra flavor.
  • Diced onion: Builds a sweet flavor base. Choose firm onions free of soft spots.
  • Garlic: Adds pungency and complexity. Use fresh cloves instead of jarred garlic for better taste.
  • Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps things savory without oversalting. Check the label for low sodium to balance the cheese.
  • Canned diced tomatoes: Adds tang and moisture. Choose tomatoes with no added sugar.
  • Small dry pasta: Any short shape like penne rotini or elbow works well. Look for bronze cut pasta for best sauce cling.
  • Milk or heavy cream: Provides creaminess. Whole milk or cream will yield a richer result.
  • Salt and ground black pepper: Essential for balancing flavors. Use freshly ground pepper if possible.
  • Shredded Cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey goodness. Use sharp or extra sharp for the most flavor.
  • Thinly sliced scallions: Adds a fresh finishing touch. Look for crisp green stalks.

Instructions

Sauté the Sausage and Onion:
Pour olive oil into a four to five litre sauté pan and warm over medium high heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and diced onion. Cook stirring occasionally until the sausage begins to brown and the onions turn translucent. This is where deep base flavor develops.
Add Garlic for Aromatics:
Toss in the minced garlic. Stir continuously and cook for about thirty seconds. You want the garlic fragrant but not browned as it can turn bitter if overcooked.
Build the Sauce and Pasta:
Add the chicken broth diced tomatoes with their juice milk or cream dry pasta salt and pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure everything is well incorporated.
Simmer to Perfection:
Bring the pan’s contents to a gentle simmer. Reducing the heat to medium cook uncovered for fifteen minutes. Stir occasionally and monitor the mixture to prevent sticking. The pasta should become perfectly tender while the sauce thickens.
Melt in the Cheese:
Once the pasta is ready remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle in half of the shredded Cheddar cheese. Stir through until the cheese has melted smoothly into the sauce making it creamy and luscious.
Finish and Serve:
Evenly scatter the remaining shredded Cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the pan and let it stand for a few minutes. The cheese on top should melt fully becoming a bubbly golden layer.
Garnish and Enjoy:
Just before serving sprinkle with thinly sliced scallions for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve the pasta piping hot.
A bowl of pasta with sausage and vegetables, including broccoli and tomatoes, is served in a white bowl.
A bowl of pasta with sausage and vegetables, including broccoli and tomatoes, is served in a white bowl. | recipebyme.com

My favorite ingredient for this pasta is smoked kielbasa because it adds so much character to a simple dish. I will never forget when my cousin tasted this and immediately asked for the recipe to serve at her housewarming because it was so comforting.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. Pasta absorbs more sauce on standing so add a splash of milk or broth when reheating for best texture. This is also a recipe that freezes quite well.

Ingredient Swaps

Swap out kielbasa for any fully cooked sausage like Italian chicken or turkey sausage. If you like things spicy try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper. Instead of Cheddar you can use mozzarella Jack or even Swiss for a new twist.

Favorite Ways to Serve

This pasta is a meal on its own but a crisp green salad makes the plate bright and fresh. Warm garlic bread is another favorite at my table especially to mop up every last drop of sauce. If you want even more veggies stir in some spinach or bell peppers before the final simmer.

Everyday Magic in One Pan

One pot meals have saved my weeknights countless times. This recipe brings together everything I love about quick cooking and old fashioned comfort with hardly any cleanup. The thick savory sauce and browned sausage slices are always greeted with smiles at my table.

Seasonal Adaptations

Use summer sausages and fresh tomatoes when in season. Try smoked turkey sausage and baby spinach in spring for a lighter version. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for fall to accentuate the warmth.

Quick success tips for the perfect bowl

Avoid overcooking the pasta by simmering gently and stirring often. Shred your own cheese for best melting and flavor. Let the cheese topping rest covered so it bubbles evenly.

Freezer Meal Conversion

To freeze portion the cooled pasta into meal size containers and tuck into the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with an extra splash of broth to refresh the creamy sauce.

A bowl of pasta with sausage and cheese, likely a dish called "Sausage and Cheese Pasta.
A bowl of pasta with sausage and cheese, likely a dish called "Sausage and Cheese Pasta. | recipebyme.com

One pot kielbasa pasta truly brings together comfort and ease—hearty flavors and simple cleanup make it an ideal weeknight dinner. Let this approachable recipe become a regular at your table!

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of sausage works best?

Smoked kielbasa or turkey/chicken sausage offers robust flavor and holds up well in this one-pan method.

→ Can I use different types of pasta?

Small dry pasta like penne, rotini, or shells cook evenly and readily absorb the sauce for best results.

→ Is it possible to make this dish creamy or lighter?

Whole milk or heavy cream adds richness. For a lighter result, choose low-fat milk or milk alternatives.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir the pan occasionally as the pasta cooks and ensure enough liquid covers the ingredients.

→ Can leftovers be reheated?

Yes, reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to revive the sauce’s texture.

One Pot Kielbasa Pasta

Smoky sausage, pasta, and melty cheese simmer in a single pan for a delicious, easy comfort dinner.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
35 min
By Sana: Rose


Skill Level: Medium

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (One-pot meal, approximately 6 cups)

Dietary Categories: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 1 pound smoked kielbasa or turkey/chicken sausage, sliced 1/4 inch thick
03 1 cup diced onion
04 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
06 1 1/4 cups canned diced tomatoes, undrained
07 8 ounces small dry pasta
08 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
09 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Finishing Ingredients

11 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
12 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions, for garnish

Steps

Step 01

Pour olive oil into a 4–5 quart sauté pan and place over medium-high heat.

Step 02

Add sliced kielbasa and diced onion to the pan. Sauté until sausage is browned and onions are translucent.

Step 03

Add minced garlic, stirring continuously. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 04

Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, milk or cream, uncooked pasta, salt, and black pepper. Stir to thoroughly combine.

Step 05

Bring contents to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and the sauce has slightly thickened.

Step 06

Remove the pan from heat. Stir in half of the shredded Cheddar cheese until evenly melted.

Step 07

Scatter the remaining cheese over the surface, cover, and allow to rest until the cheese is melted, lightly golden, and bubbly.

Step 08

Sprinkle with thinly sliced scallions and serve hot.

Notes

  1. Use a heavy-bottomed sauté pan to ensure even cooking and prevent the pasta from sticking.

Required Equipment

  • 4–5 quart sauté pan
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains dairy (milk, cheese)
  • Contains wheat (pasta)

Nutritional Info (per serving)

This data is provided as a guide and doesn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 430
  • Fats: 23 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 17 g