This Easy One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Dinner is a quick and tasty meal you can whip up in a single pot! With savory kielbasa, pasta, and fresh veggies simmering together, it’s a winner!
I love how simple this dish is—less mess means more time to enjoy dinner! Plus, who can resist a hearty meal that only needs one pot? It’s a total kitchen lifesaver!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Kielbasa: This flavorful sausage is the star of the dish! If you can’t find kielbasa, feel free to substitute with smoked sausage or even chicken sausage for a lighter option.
Pasta: Penne is great for this recipe, but you can use any pasta you have on hand, such as fusilli or rotini. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if using a different type!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even Greek yogurt for creaminess without all the calories. Coconut milk is a good dairy-free option as well.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are convenient, but fresh diced tomatoes or a mix can work too. For a spicy kick, add some diced green chilies!
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Pasta in One Pot?
Cooking pasta alongside the other ingredients can be a bit tricky, but it’s essential for the best flavor. Follow these steps:
- Start by browning the kielbasa first to get that rich flavor.
- When adding the pasta and broth, make sure to stir it well to prevent sticking.
- Cover the pot while simmering. This helps the steam cook the pasta evenly and keeps everything nice and moist.
- Keep an eye on it. Stir occasionally to check the pasta’s doneness and prevent it from clumping.
With these tips, you’ll achieve a delicious, well-cooked pasta that absorbs all the tasty flavors from the kielbasa and veggies!
How to Make Easy One Pot Kielbasa Pasta Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 cups uncooked penne pasta (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish can be prepared in about 30 minutes. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes on prep work and around 20 minutes cooking. It’s quick, simple, and yields a hearty meal that the whole family will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Kielbasa:
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook for about 4-5 minutes until it is lightly browned. This adds amazing flavor! Once cooked, remove the kielbasa from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. Your kitchen will smell wonderful!
3. Combine Everything:
Return the browned kielbasa to the pot. Next, add the uncooked penne pasta, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Stir everything together so it’s well combined and all the pasta is covered in liquid.
4. Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally, checking that the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs most of the liquid.
5. Add Cream and Cheese:
Once the pasta is cooked through, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese (if using). Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste for extra flavor.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the pot from heat and garnish your delicious meal with freshly chopped parsley or basil. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting one-pot kielbasa pasta dinner!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute kielbasa with smoked sausage, turkey sausage, or even chicken sausage. Each will bring its unique flavor to the dish!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a pot on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure it’s heated evenly.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this a vegetarian dish by omitting the kielbasa and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Replace the sausage with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for extra texture!
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This one-pot meal is quite filling on its own, but you can serve it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner. Enjoy!
