Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a meal that’s both incredibly easy and downright delicious, you’ve got to try my one pot creamy kielbasa pasta! Seriously, this dish is a lifesaver after a long day when all you want is something satisfying without a mountain of dishes to do afterward. The best part? Everything cooks in one pot, blending the flavors of savory kielbasa, creamy sauce, and tender pasta into a comforting hug of a meal. Trust me, the creamy texture is just heavenly, and the flavors come together in a way that’ll have you coming back for seconds (or thirds!). It’s quick, it’s simple, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Let’s dive in and get cooking!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your one pot creamy kielbasa pasta:
- 8 ounces penne pasta (or any pasta shape you prefer)
- 12 ounces kielbasa, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped (the sweeter, the better!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is always best!)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for that luscious creaminess)
- 1 cup chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup spinach, chopped (fresh adds a lovely color and flavor)
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated (because cheese makes everything better)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy!)
How to Prepare One Pot Creamy Kielbasa Pasta
Alright, let’s get this delicious meal on the table! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll love how everything comes together in just one pot. Here we go!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, heat that tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it nice and hot, but not smoking!
- Once the oil is shimmering, toss in your chopped onion and sliced kielbasa. Cook them together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the kielbasa is just starting to brown. This is where the magic begins!
- Next, add the minced garlic and let it cook for just 1 minute. Oh wow, the aroma is heavenly! Just don’t let it burn—garlic can turn bitter if overcooked.
- Now, it’s time to add the star ingredients: pour in the penne pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a low simmer.
- Let it simmer away for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. You want that pasta to be tender and perfectly cooked!
- Once your pasta is just right, stir in the chopped spinach and grated parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes nice and creamy. This is where it gets indulgently good!
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it one last stir, and you’re ready to dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 30 minutes!
- One pot means minimal cleanup, yay!
- Creamy texture that’s irresistibly comforting
- Flavorful kielbasa adds a delicious savory kick
- Fresh spinach gives a pop of color and nutrition
- Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings
- Customizable with any pasta shape or favorite veggies
Tips for Success
To make your one pot creamy kielbasa pasta absolutely perfect, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t skip the stirring—this helps prevent the pasta from sticking and ensures even cooking. If you want to lighten it up a bit, try substituting half and half for the heavy cream; it still tastes fantastic! You can also switch out the kielbasa for chicken, shrimp, or even a plant-based sausage for a different flavor twist. And remember, feel free to toss in your favorite veggies—things like bell peppers or mushrooms would be delicious! Enjoy experimenting!
Variations
If you’re in the mood to mix things up with your one pot creamy kielbasa pasta, I’ve got some great ideas for you! For a different protein, try swapping the kielbasa for diced chicken breast or even shrimp—both will soak up that creamy goodness beautifully. Feeling adventurous? Add some spice with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Cajun seasoning for a kick! You could also experiment with veggies; think about tossing in some cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or even sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor boost. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for one serving of my one pot creamy kielbasa pasta. Each plate offers about 600 calories, with 35 grams of fat and 20 grams of protein, making it a hearty meal. You’ll also get around 50 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of fiber to keep you satisfied. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on any substitutions you make. Enjoy your delicious meal guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While I love penne for this one pot creamy kielbasa pasta, you can use any pasta shape you enjoy. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since different shapes may require slightly more or less time.
What if I don’t have kielbasa?
No problem! You can easily substitute kielbasa with diced chicken, shrimp, or any cooked sausage. Each option will bring its own unique flavor to the dish!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up if needed.
What can I add for extra flavor?
If you want to amp up the flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when cooking the onion and kielbasa. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil also make a lovely finishing touch!
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free pasta, my one pot creamy kielbasa pasta can easily fit into a gluten-free diet. Just check your pasta packaging to be sure!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Creamy Chicken Pasta.
For nutritional information on pasta dishes, visit Eat Right.
Print
One Pot Creamy Kielbasa Pasta: 7 Ways to Savor Comfort
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and easy one pot creamy kielbasa pasta dish.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 12 ounces kielbasa, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sliced kielbasa, and cook until onion is translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked.
- Stir in spinach and parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Use any pasta shape you prefer.
- For a lighter version, substitute half and half for heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: one pot creamy kielbasa pasta, kielbasa pasta recipe, easy pasta dish
