If you’re craving a creamy, satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup, this One Pot Creamy Kielbasa Pasta is a perfect choice. It’s packed with smoky kielbasa sausage, tender pasta, and a rich garlic-infused cream sauce. Best of all, everything comes together in just one pot — no extra dishes! Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping, this dish delivers bold flavor fast. It’s cozy, customizable, and ideal for busy weeknights.
🧡 Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Pasta
When life gets busy, you need a dish that’s fast, flavorful, and cleanup-friendly — and this One Pot Creamy Kielbasa Pasta ticks all the boxes. Made with smoky sausage, al dente pasta, and a luscious garlic cream sauce, it’s a family-favorite meal you’ll turn to again and again.
This dish is also highly flexible. Want it spicy? Add Cajun seasoning. Prefer veggies? Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Whatever your style, this creamy pasta delivers.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 12 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sear the Kielbasa
Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook for 4–5 minutes until golden and crisp around the edges. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same pot, sauté chopped onion for 2–3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Pasta, Broth & Cream
Add the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Simmer Until Pasta Is Tender
Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water.
5. Season & Add Back Kielbasa
Return the kielbasa to the pot. Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to let the flavors come together.
6. Finish with Cheese and Serve
Turn off the heat, stir in Parmesan cheese for extra richness, and garnish with parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
🌟 Pro Tips for the Best Results
✅ Sear the sausage until golden — this boosts flavor.
✅ Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
✅ Stir the pasta while simmering to avoid sticking.
✅ Adjust sauce consistency with extra broth or cream.
🌀 Customization Ideas
Make this recipe your own with these simple tweaks:
- Spicy twist: Add cayenne or red chili flakes
- Veggie boost: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers
- Cheesy version: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar
- Swap the sausage: Use turkey, chicken, or vegan sausage
🍽️ What to Serve with Kielbasa Pasta
Pair this hearty one-pot pasta with:
- Garlic bread – to soak up every drop of sauce
- Green salad – for a refreshing balance
- Steamed broccoli or asparagus – simple and nutritious
- Cajun cornbread – for Southern flair
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freeze: Freeze cooled pasta for up to 2 months
- Reheat: Microwave or reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Overcooking pasta – Simmer gently and taste-test early
🚫 Not stirring – Prevent sticking by stirring every few minutes
🚫 Too thick sauce – Just add broth or cream to loosen
❓ FAQs
Can I use a different sausage?
Yes! Chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based options work well.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute the cream with unsweetened coconut milk and use vegan cheese or skip it entirely.
Is it spicy?
Only mildly — adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preference.
What pasta works best?
Short-cut pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini holds the creamy sauce well.
📋 One Pot Creamy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe Summary
Craving something hearty and simple? This one-pot creamy kielbasa pasta delivers smoky sausage, silky cream sauce, and tender pasta — all in just 30 minutes!
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Calories (Per Serving) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | 25 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 | ~520 kcal |
Main Flavors: Smoky, creamy, savory, with optional heat
Perfect For: Weeknight dinners, meal prep, casual gatherings
Customizable? Yes! Add veggies, cheese, or swap the sausage.
💬 Final Thoughts
This One Pot Creamy Kielbasa Pasta isn’t just easy — it’s deeply satisfying. With bold smoky flavor, a silky sauce, and almost no cleanup, it’s a weeknight hero recipe you’ll make again and again.
Whether you serve it as-is or customize it with veggies and spices, this pasta will always deliver on taste, texture, and simplicity.
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