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- 12 oz penne pasta - 12 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish For this dish, I always choose high-quality ingredients. Fresh spinach adds great flavor and texture. Use heavy cream for a rich sauce. I like to select kielbasa from a trusted brand. Look for one that uses real meat and has no fillers. Fresh cherry tomatoes make the dish pop with color and taste. If you can't find penne, any short pasta works well. Bowtie or rotini can be great choices. For a lighter option, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based milk. If you prefer a different protein, try chicken or turkey sausage. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms. If you want it vegan, skip the cheese and cream or use plant-based alternatives. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Once it's hot, add the sliced kielbasa sausage. Sauté it for about 4-5 minutes until it turns golden brown. This step adds great flavor to the dish. Next, stir in the penne pasta and chicken broth. Make sure all the pasta is submerged in the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be tender when done. Now it’s time to add the creamy goodness. Pour in the heavy cream, garlic powder, and onion powder. Also, add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Stir everything well. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Finally, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This will make your pasta creamy and rich. Add salt and pepper to taste. To cook kielbasa well, choose a good quality sausage. Ensure it’s sliced evenly for even cooking. Sauté it long enough to get a nice brown color. This adds depth to the flavor. If you prefer a smokier taste, try using smoked kielbasa. It pairs well with the cream and pasta. Achieving a creamy sauce is easy. Use heavy cream for the best results. It thickens nicely and adds richness. Stir the cheese in at the end to keep it creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. Stir well to mix. This will help you get the right consistency. Always taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. When making One-Pot Creamy Kielbasa Pasta, avoid overcooking the pasta. It should be tender but not mushy. Also, don't skip the olive oil step. It helps to brown the kielbasa and adds flavor. Watch the heat; if it’s too high, the cream may curdle. Lastly, don’t forget to season well. Salt and pepper make a big difference in taste. Use a large skillet or pot. This gives you enough room for all the ingredients. Make sure you stir the pasta often while it cooks. This prevents it from sticking together. For a creamier sauce, let the mixture simmer a little longer after adding the cream. Adding fresh spinach at the end keeps it bright and fresh. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. This will loosen it up without losing flavor. If it’s too thin, let it cook a bit longer uncovered. This helps it reduce and thicken. If you find the flavor lacking, add more garlic powder or a sprinkle of cheese. This can enhance the taste quickly. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: For the best texture, cook your pasta al dente before adding the cream and vegetables. This prevents overcooking and ensures a perfect bite. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and tomatoes will enhance the flavor and color of your dish. Substitute dried herbs with fresh ones when possible for a more vibrant taste. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute with half and half. It will still be creamy but with fewer calories. Garnish for Flavor: Don't skip the fresh parsley garnish! It adds a burst of freshness and color that elevates the overall presentation and flavor of the dish. {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta in this dish. While penne is great, other shapes work well too. Try rotini, fusilli, or even farfalle. These shapes hold sauce well and add fun texture. Just keep the cooking time in mind. Thinner pastas like spaghetti will cook faster, so adjust your time accordingly. Want to make your dish even tastier? Add more veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms. They add crunch and flavor. You can also toss in some Italian seasoning for a flavor boost. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick too. If you love garlic, fresh minced garlic can add a wonderful aroma. You can make this dish meatless with a few easy swaps. Use plant-based sausage instead of kielbasa. This keeps the same great taste. For a creamier base, swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Nutritional yeast is a fantastic cheese alternative. It gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. To keep your One-Pot Creamy Kielbasa Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool down first. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing it. This helps maintain its creamy texture and flavor. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. Place the pasta in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream for moisture. Stir often to prevent sticking. Heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you have extra pasta, you can freeze it. Pack it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It will last for about two months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above for the best taste. Yes, you can use other sausages. Chicken or turkey sausage works well. If you want a smoky flavor, try andouille sausage. You can also use sweet Italian sausage for a milder taste. Just slice them like kielbasa and cook them the same way. To add some heat, use spicy sausage. You can also add red pepper flakes to the cream. Another option is to stir in some diced jalapeños or hot sauce. Start with a little and taste as you go to find the right spice level for you. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad. Garlic bread is another great option for a side. You might also enjoy serving it with roasted vegetables for a healthy touch. A light white wine can complement the creamy flavors too. In this blog post, I shared how to make a tasty One-Pot Creamy Kielbasa Pasta. We covered the right ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You learned about ingredient choices and how to avoid common mistakes. I also offered variations for different tastes and shared storage tips. Remember, cooking is fun! Enjoy your dish and feel free to experiment. Your kitchen adventure can lead to delicious meals every time.

One-Pot Creamy Kielbasa Pasta

A delicious and easy one-pot pasta dish featuring kielbasa sausage, creamy sauce, and fresh vegetables.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 12 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup spinach, fresh
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced kielbasa sausage and sauté until it starts to brown, about 4-5 minutes.
  • Stir in the penne pasta and chicken broth. Make sure the pasta is submerged, then bring to a boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is cooked and tender.
  • Add the heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, cherry tomatoes, and spinach to the pot. Stir well until the spinach wilts, this should take about 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Plate the creamy pasta, garnishing each serving with chopped parsley for a touch of color and flavor.

Notes

Feel free to add more vegetables or adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Keyword creamy, kielbasa, one-pot, pasta, quick