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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.
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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.
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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!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → 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.