Need a quick, comforting dinner that doesn’t involve a sink full of dishes—or pork? This One Pot Kielbasa Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and totally satisfying, made with your favorite non-pork kielbasa (like beef, chicken, or plant-based). Everything cooks together in one pan, making it the ideal go-to for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Pasta
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use beef, chicken, or plant-based kielbasa
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Creamy, cheesy, and deeply flavorful
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One pot means minimal cleanup
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Ready in under 30 minutes
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Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping
Ingredients You’ll Need
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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14 oz pork-free kielbasa (beef, chicken, or vegetarian), sliced
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½ cup diced onion
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2–3 garlic cloves, minced
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2 cups uncooked penne or rotini pasta
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2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
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1 cup milk or half-and-half
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1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
How to Make One Pot Kielbasa Pasta (No Pork)
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Sauté the sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the sliced non-pork kielbasa and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes. -
Add aromatics
Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. -
Add pasta and liquids
Pour in the uncooked pasta, broth, and milk. Stir to combine and bring to a light boil. -
Simmer
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and the sauce thickens slightly. -
Add cheese and seasoning
Stir in shredded cheese, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese is melted and creamy. -
Serve and garnish
Remove from heat, let rest for a few minutes to thicken, then garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
Optional Add-Ins
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Sautéed bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies
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A dash of hot sauce or cayenne for heat
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Swap cheddar with pepper jack or gouda for variety
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Use gluten-free pasta to make it celiac-friendly
What to Serve with Kielbasa Pasta
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Steamed broccoli or roasted carrots
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Simple side salad with vinaigrette
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Garlic bread or herb flatbread
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Roasted potatoes for extra heartiness
Tips for the Best One Pot Pasta
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Slice the kielbasa thin for quicker browning and better flavor distribution
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Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom
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If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of milk or broth before serving
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Use a lid while simmering to ensure even cooking
FAQ:
Q: What’s the best non-pork kielbasa to use?
A: Try beef kielbasa, chicken sausage, or a high-quality plant-based version like Beyond or Field Roast.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes, use unsweetened plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese. Coconut milk and vegan cheddar work well.
Q: Does this freeze well?
A: Yes! Let it cool completely, store in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months.