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One Pot Creamy Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta for Easy Weeknight Dinners

A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy kielbasa pasta, featuring penne noodles and thick slices of smoked sausage covered in melted cheddar cheese.
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Create a comforting, flavorful meal with this simple one pot creamy cheesy kielbasa pasta. This recipe uses accessible ingredients and minimizes cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 ounces dry pasta (penne or rotini work well)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar-jack cheese blend
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the kielbasa into half-inch thick pieces. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until lightly browned on both sides, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the kielbasa from the skillet and set it aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pan.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Add the dry pasta to the boiling liquid. Stir well to prevent sticking. Reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta is nearly tender (al dente). Stir occasionally during this time.
  5. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and the cooked kielbasa slices.
  6. Add the shredded cheese blend to the skillet. Stir gently until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Taste the pasta and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if you choose.

Notes

  • We use smoked kielbasa because its robust flavor carries well through the creamy sauce. You can substitute with Polish sausage or even andouille for a bit of spice.
  • Cooking the pasta directly in the broth is what creates the starchy, creamy sauce base, so do not drain the liquid before adding the cream and cheese.
  • For a heartier meal, add 1 cup of frozen broccoli florets during the last 5 minutes of the pasta cooking time.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/one-pot-creamy-cheesy-kielbasa-pasta/