There’s just something magical about a one-pot meal. No juggling multiple pans. No towering pile of dishes waiting to ambush you after dinner. Just one pot, one hearty dish, and a whole lot of flavor. And if that’s what you’re looking for tonight, this One Pot Kielbasa Pasta is going to hit the spot.

It’s smoky, creamy, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying. The kielbasa gives it that bold, savory punch while the pasta soaks up all the goodness of the cheesy sauce. And let me just say—if comfort food and convenience had a baby, this would be it.

I actually first made this on a night when we were out of ideas and running low on time. I had kielbasa in the fridge, a half-box of pasta, and some shredded cheese. What started as a pantry raid turned into one of our most-loved dinners. Now it’s on a regular weeknight rotation—and for good reason. It’s fast, it’s easy, and everyone always goes back for seconds.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just looking for something simple yet comforting, this is a recipe you’ll want to keep close.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot—less mess, more ease.
Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Super Satisfying: Smoky kielbasa, tender pasta, and creamy cheese? Yes, please.
Customizable: Throw in your favorite veggies or swap cheeses to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this creamy kielbasa pasta to life:

1 tablespoon olive oil
14 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
8 oz uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells all work great)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

You likely have most of these ingredients on hand already, and if not, they’re easy to find at any grocery store. The best part? You don’t need anything fancy to make this dish shine.

STEP 1: Brown the Kielbasa

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and let it brown for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want some nice color here—those golden edges bring out all that smoky flavor. Once it’s browned, go ahead and remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside for later.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pot when browning the sausage. Let them sizzle in a single layer so they get those crispy, caramelized edges.

STEP 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same pot (keep all those flavorful brown bits from the sausage!), toss in the chopped onion. Cook it for about 2 to 3 minutes until it starts to soften. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. At this point, your kitchen will already smell amazing.

STEP 3: Add the Liquids and Pasta

Next, pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of milk. Stir to combine, then add your uncooked pasta. Make sure the noodles are mostly submerged in the liquid—this helps them cook evenly.

Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir it occasionally to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom. You’re aiming for tender pasta and most of the liquid to be absorbed.

Note: The starch from the pasta helps thicken the sauce naturally, so no need for extra flour or cornstarch.

Welcome back! In Part 1, we got our kielbasa browned, our pasta simmering, and our kitchen smelling like pure comfort food heaven. Now it’s time to bring everything together and turn that pot of goodness into the rich, creamy dish we’ve been dreaming about.

If you’ve never made a one-pot meal like this before, you’re in for a treat. The best part? Once the pasta is cooked, it’s just a matter of stirring in the final ingredients and letting the magic happen.

Let’s dive right back into the recipe and finish up this delicious One Pot Kielbasa Pasta.

STEP 4: Stir in the Sausage and Cheese

Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, it’s time to bring everything together.

Start by adding the browned kielbasa back into the pot. Give it a quick stir to distribute it evenly with the pasta. Then, toss in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan. Stir gently over low heat until the cheese melts completely and the sauce turns into that smooth, creamy dream we’re after.

Don’t forget to season it at this point. Add ½ teaspoon paprika, a pinch of salt, and a little pepper to taste. The paprika adds just a touch of smoky depth that plays perfectly with the kielbasa.

Pro Tip: If your sauce feels a little thick, you can add a splash of warm milk to loosen it up. If it feels too thin, let it sit uncovered for a few minutes off heat—it’ll thicken as it rests.

STEP 5: Let It Rest and Garnish

Once the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is nice and creamy, remove the pot from the heat. Let it sit for about 2 to 3 minutes. This gives the sauce a chance to thicken slightly and coat the pasta even better.

If you’re feeling a little fancy, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the top just before serving. It adds a nice pop of color and a touch of freshness that cuts through the richness of the dish.

Customizations & Swaps to Make It Your Own

This One Pot Kielbasa Pasta is incredibly flexible, and there are so many ways to tweak it based on what you have on hand—or what your family loves most.

Add Veggies

This dish is already hearty, but it’s also the perfect canvas for a few extra vegetables:

Spinach: Stir in a handful or two during the last few minutes of cooking.
Bell Peppers: Add sliced peppers when you sauté the onion.
Broccoli: Steam it separately and stir it in at the end, or add it to the pot halfway through the pasta simmering step.

Try Different Cheeses

Want to mix it up from the usual cheddar-Parmesan combo? Try these:

Mozzarella for a super creamy, melty finish
Monterey Jack for a mild, buttery flavor
Pepper Jack if you like a little heat

Just keep the total cheese quantity around the same (1½ cups) to maintain the right sauce texture.

Swap the Pasta

Short pastas work best in this recipe because they cook evenly and hold onto the sauce well. If you don’t have penne, rotini, or shells, try:

Fusilli
Elbow macaroni
Bowties (farfalle)

Just remember to keep the liquid-to-pasta ratio consistent and adjust the cooking time slightly based on the shape.

Want It Creamier?

You can swap part of the milk for heavy cream or stir in a spoonful of cream cheese at the end for an ultra-luxurious finish.

Serving Suggestions

Honestly, this One Pot Kielbasa Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to stretch it out or pair it with something simple, here are a few ideas:

Green Salad with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness
Garlic Bread or dinner rolls for dipping into that cheesy sauce
Roasted Vegetables on the side, like asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts

You’ve seen just how simple and satisfying this One Pot Kielbasa Pasta can be—and by now, your pot is probably full of cheesy, creamy goodness just waiting to be devoured. Before we wrap things up, I wanted to go over a few common questions readers often have about this recipe. Whether you’re making it for the first time or coming back to tweak it your own way, these quick answers should help make your cooking experience even smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different kind of sausage instead of kielbasa?

Absolutely. Smoked sausage is ideal because of its rich, bold flavor, but you can use andouille for a spicier kick, or even chicken sausage if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just make sure whatever sausage you choose is fully cooked before adding it.

2. Can this dish be made ahead of time?

You can definitely make it ahead, but like most creamy pasta dishes, it’s best served fresh. If you do make it in advance, store it in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

3. What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a bit of milk or water to bring back the creamy texture.

4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta. Keep in mind that some gluten-free pastas may absorb liquid differently, so check the texture during cooking and add a bit more broth or milk if needed.

5. How can I make this spicier?

To give it a kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes along with the paprika, or stir in a bit of hot sauce at the end. You could also use a spicy variety of kielbasa or sausage.

6. Can I freeze this pasta?

I don’t typically recommend freezing this dish because the creamy sauce can separate when thawed and reheated. If you do freeze it, try to stir it well while reheating and expect a slightly different texture.

7. What type of milk works best?

Whole milk is ideal for a rich, creamy sauce, but 2% works just fine. You can also use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk in a pinch, though the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Kielbasa Pasta is everything I love in a weeknight meal—quick, hearty, and full of flavor. The smoky sausage, melty cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out. And did I mention only one pot to wash?

If you’re feeding a family, this is a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t require fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. And if you’re cooking for one or two, it makes amazing leftovers that are just as tasty the next day.

I’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you. Did you toss in some veggies? Try a new cheese combo? Let me know in the comments! Your tips and tweaks might just inspire someone else’s next favorite dinner.

One Pot Kielbasa Pasta