Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this One-Pot Kielbasa Mac and Cheese!
Creamy cheddar cheese sauce meets smoky kielbasa sausage and tender pasta in a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and ready in no time.
Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something hearty and indulgent, this easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 14 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups elbow macaroni (or your favorite short pasta)
- 3½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or green onions
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How to Make Kielbasa Macaroni and Cheese
- Sauté the Kielbasa:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Remove the kielbasa from the pot and set aside. - Cook the Garlic:
In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. - Cook the Pasta:
Add the pasta, chicken broth, milk, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. - Make It Cheesy:
Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and butter. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. - Add the Kielbasa:
Return the browned kielbasa to the pot and stir to combine. Heat for 1-2 minutes until the sausage is warmed through. - Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Smoky and Cheesy Flavor: The rich cheddar cheese sauce pairs perfectly with the smoky kielbasa for a flavor-packed dish.
- Less Dishes to Wash: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal and less time washing dishes.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is a hit with kids and adults alike, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for when you’re short on time but still want a homemade meal.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite sausage, add veggies like peas or broccoli, or use a different cheese blend for your own twist.
This smoky, cheesy, one-pot dish is everything you need in a meal—comforting, easy, and absolutely delicious! Try it tonight and watch it disappear from the table in no time.
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One-Pot Kielbasa Mac and Cheese
Tender elbow macaroni meets rich, creamy cheddar sauce and perfectly browned kielbasa sausage. This easy, one-pot dish is comfort food at its finest, making it the perfect meal for busy nights or cozy dinners at home!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 14 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups elbow macaroni (or your favorite short pasta)
- 3½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Remove the kielbasa from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the pasta, chicken broth, milk, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and butter. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Return the browned kielbasa to the pot and stir to combine. Heat for 1-2 minutes until the sausage is warmed through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
- Add Vegetables: Toss in frozen peas, broccoli florets, or diced bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking to add some veggies to the dish.
- Make it Spicy: For a spicy kick, sprinkle in cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
This was pretty good, I did add about a 1/2 tsp of creole seasoning, easy to make.