Can I use different types of sausage instead of kielbasa in this pasta recipe?

Yes, you can substitute kielbasa with other smoked sausages like andouille, chorizo, or ground Italian sausage. Each variety will bring a unique flavor, so choose one that suits your taste preferences. Just slice or crumble the sausage as needed and cook it according to the recipe instructions.

What pasta types work best with kielbasa pasta?

Rotini is commonly used for kielbasa pasta because its spirals hold the sauce well, but other shapes like shells, rigatoni, or even spaghetti can be delicious substitutes. Choose any pasta that you prefer or have on hand; just adjust cooking times to avoid overcooking.

Can I make kielbasa pasta in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

While there aren’t specific times for slow cooker or Instant Pot versions, you can prepare kielbasa pasta in these appliances by browning the sausage first, then adding remaining ingredients to cook on low or pressure mode. Look for similar pasta recipes for exact cook times, but be mindful not to overcook the pasta to avoid mushiness.

What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream for the sauce?

Whole milk combined with a tablespoon of butter is a common substitute for heavy cream in kielbasa pasta. This mix adds richness without the extra fat of cream. If using salted butter, reduce added salt in the recipe. This swap keeps the sauce creamy while maintaining flavor.

Is it necessary to drain canned tomatoes before adding them to the pasta?

Draining canned tomatoes is recommended if you want a thicker sauce, as excess liquid can make the dish watery. However, if you prefer a saucier pasta, you can add them undrained. Adjust cooking times slightly to achieve your desired sauce consistency.

Kielbasa Pasta Recipe with Creamy Sauce in One Pot Dinner

Name: kielbasa pasta
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 tablespoon olive oil (or 1 tablespoon avocado oil); – 12 to 14 ounces smoked kielbasa or turkey/chicken sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds; – 1 to 1.5 cups diced onion; – 1 to 3 cloves garlic, minced; – Optional: 1 medium diced red bell pepper and/or 1 medium diced green bell pepper; – 2 to 2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth as a substitute); – 1 (10 to 15-ounce) can diced tomatoes (drained or undrained); – 8 to 16 ounces dry small pasta (penne, rotini, or other preferred shape); – 1/2 to 1 cup heavy cream (or milk/heavy whipping cream); – 2 to 3 tablespoons tomato paste or 2 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce (optional, for richer tomato flavor); – 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; – 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); – 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; – Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for heat; – 1/2 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan), divided; – 2 tablespoons butter (optional, especially if using tomato-based sauce); – Fresh or dried parsley or thinly sliced scallions for garnish

Description

🍝 Enjoy a hearty and flavorful kielbasa pasta that combines smoky sausage with a creamy tomato sauce in one convenient pot.
🥘 Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy one-pot meal delivers satisfying comfort with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

– 1 tablespoon olive oil (or 1 tablespoon avocado oil)

– 12 to 14 ounces smoked kielbasa or turkey/chicken sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds

– 1 to 1.5 cups diced onion

– 1 to 3 cloves garlic, minced

– Optional: 1 medium diced red bell pepper and/or 1 medium diced green bell pepper

– 2 to 2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth as a substitute)

– 1 (10 to 15-ounce) can diced tomatoes (drained or undrained)

– 8 to 16 ounces dry small pasta (penne, rotini, or other preferred shape)

– 1/2 to 1 cup heavy cream (or milk/heavy whipping cream)

– 2 to 3 tablespoons tomato paste or 2 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce (optional, for richer tomato flavor)

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for heat

– 1/2 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan), divided

– 2 tablespoons butter (optional, especially if using tomato-based sauce)

– Fresh or dried parsley or thinly sliced scallions for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Slice the kielbasa sausage into 1/4-inch thick rounds for even cooking and better flavor release. If you’re opting for plant-based kielbasa, prepare it similarly. Dice onion, garlic, and optional bell peppers to add savory depth and color to the dish.

Step 2: Cook Pasta
Cook the pasta according to package instructions to al dente. If using gluten-free or vegetable-based noodles, adjust the cooking times as needed to avoid overcooking. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
Heat olive oil or avocado oil in a large sauté pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Brown Kielbasa
Add the kielbasa slices to the pan and cook until nicely browned, releasing their smoky aroma. For plant-based alternatives, heat thoroughly until slightly crisped.

Step 5: Make the Sauce
Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, heavy cream, and tomato paste or tomato sauce if using. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne or red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring to coat each piece evenly. Add extra broth or water if the sauce needs thinning. Cook on low heat for a few minutes until the pasta absorbs the sauce and everything is heated through.

Step 7: Add Cheese and Serve
Remove the pan from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Top with the remaining cheese, cover the pan, and allow the cheese to melt until bubbly and slightly browned. Garnish with fresh parsley or scallions before serving.

Notes

🌶 Add diced bell peppers or other vegetables to boost flavor and nutrition.
🧀 Stir in cheese gradually for a perfectly creamy sauce and melt.
🍲 Adjust pasta cooking by parboiling separately if you prefer less starchy sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One Pan
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 520 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 900 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: Kielbasa Pasta, Creamy Sauce, One Pot Dinner, Easy Weeknight Meal