Name: One-Pot Kielbasa Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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; Fresh parsley or green onions

Jump to Recipe

If there’s ever a dish that captures the magical balance between nostalgic comfort and weeknight efficiency, it must be One-Pot Kielbasa Mac and Cheese. Imagine plump rings of smoky kielbasa mingling with tender macaroni, all swirled into a bubbling, ultra-creamy cheddar cheese sauce. It’s warming, fuss-free, and so downright satisfying, everyone at the table will be angling for seconds. Plus, since everything simmers together in a single pot, cleanup is almost as easy as scarfing down a bowl of this crowd-pleasing favorite!

One-Pot Kielbasa Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is one of those fabulous recipes where every ingredient shines. Each one plays a starring role in delivering deep flavor, the perfect creamy texture, or those eye-catching pops of color that make One-Pot Kielbasa Mac and Cheese irresistible. Gather your goods and get ready!

Olive oil: Just a splash to brown the kielbasa and kickstart the flavor base.
Kielbasa sausage (14 oz, sliced): Smoky, savory sausage brings richness and heartiness to every bite.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Gives the dish a warm, aromatic punch that elevates the cheese sauce.
Elbow macaroni (3 cups): The classic pasta choice to soak up every bit of cheesy goodness; any favorite short pasta will do!
Chicken broth (3½ cups): Infuses the pasta with flavor as it cooks and helps create a velvety sauce.
Whole milk (1 cup): Adds creaminess and helps bind the sauce for that luscious texture.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings a subtle smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the sausage.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): A little bite to balance all the creamy, cheesy flavors.
Salt (½ teaspoon, adjust to taste): Rounds out and amplifies every other flavor in the pot.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups): The rich, tangy star of your ultra-creamy cheese sauce.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (½ cup): Melty and stretchy, it gives the sauce an extra-silky finish.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and brings everything together in classic comfort food style.
Optional garnish: fresh parsley or green onions: For a fresh, colorful lift right before serving.

How to Make One-Pot Kielbasa Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Sauté the Kielbasa

Start by heating the olive oil in a big, sturdy pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add your sliced kielbasa and let it sizzle for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until the slices are caramelized and starting to crisp at the edges. The smoky aromas at this step are your first signal that something delicious is on the way! Use a slotted spoon to scoop out the browned sausage and pop it aside—you’ll add it back later for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Let Garlic Work Its Magic

In the same pot (don’t wipe it out—those golden sausage bits are gold!), add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. The garlic will become fragrant almost instantly, blending with all the tasty remnants left by the kielbasa. This simple step builds layers of flavor that set this One-Pot Kielbasa Mac and Cheese apart from ordinary mac and cheese.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta in Broth and Spices

Add your macaroni, chicken broth, whole milk, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine those comforting flavors. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally and keep an eye on it—the pasta should be just tender and most of the liquid absorbed, creating the foundation for the cheesy sauce.

Step 4: Turn It Ultra Cheesy

When your macaroni reaches perfect doneness, drop the heat to low. Toss in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses along with the unsalted butter. Stir steadily as everything melts into a creamy, molten sauce that hugs every noodle. This is the moment where your dish transforms into full-on comfort food magic!

Step 5: Bring Back the Kielbasa

Add the reserved sausage back into the pot, giving it a good stir so the kielbasa is tucked into every cheesy scoop. Let everything warm together for another minute or two, just until the sausage is piping hot again and mingling happily with the pasta and sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish strong with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions if you like a little pop of green. That last touch adds bright flavor and makes the dish look as good as it tastes. Serve hot, straight from the pot, for ultimate coziness!

How to Serve One-Pot Kielbasa Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

One-Pot Kielbasa Mac and Cheese loves a bit of flair! Scatter chopped fresh parsley or thin-sliced green onions over the top just before serving. They add a vivid color contrast and a welcome, fresh note that balances all that delicious richness. If you want a punch of flavor, a light dash of hot sauce or even a sprinkle of extra smoked paprika works wonders too.

Side Dishes

This dish is wonderfully substantial on its own, but pairing it with a simple side can create a truly memorable meal. Try a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, a platter of roasted veggies (like broccoli or Brussels sprouts), or crinkle-cut pickles for something fun and briny. Warm garlic bread or classic dinner rolls also turn One-Pot Kielbasa Mac and Cheese into absolute comfort food heaven.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual dinners, bring the pot straight to the table and let everyone scoop their own. If you want to get playful, serve in mini cast-iron skillets, stuff the mac and cheese into roasted pepper halves, or bake a handful of extra cheese on top under the broiler for a bubbly, golden crust. It’s a fun way to make weeknight dinner feel like a little celebration!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), let the One-Pot Kielbasa Mac and Cheese cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give things a quick stir before reheating to reincorporate any sauce that’s separated while chilling—the flavors only deepen overnight.

Freezing

Creamy pasta dishes like this do freeze, but keep in mind the texture of the sauce may shift a bit. Spoon cooled One-Pot Kielbasa Mac and Cheese into freezer-safe bags or containers, pressing out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before gently reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply scoop portions into a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Warm slowly over medium-low heat or in 45-second spurts in the microwave, stirring after each interval. If the sauce looks thick, splash in an extra spoonful of milk or chicken broth to bring back creaminess. Stir gently and enjoy piping hot!

FAQs

Can I use another type of sausage instead of kielbasa?

Absolutely! While kielbasa gives the smoky signature to One-Pot Kielbasa Mac and Cheese, any pre-cooked smoked sausage will work beautifully. Andouille, turkey kielbasa, or even chorizo can lend fun new flavors to this base recipe.

Can I add vegetables to make it a complete meal?

Yes, and it’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrition. Stir in frozen peas, small broccoli florets, or diced bell peppers during the last few minutes of pasta cooking so they become perfectly tender right alongside the noodles.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten free?

Definitely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and be sure to check labels on the sausage and broth. You may need to adjust the liquid and cooking time, as gluten-free pastas sometimes cook a bit differently, but the creamy, cheesy results are still outstanding.

What is the best way to keep the cheese sauce creamy?

The magic is in adding the cheese off the heat, once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has absorbed. Stir patiently so everything melts smoothly. If the sauce gets too thick during standing or reheating, splash in a little more milk to loosen things up.

Can I make One-Pot Kielbasa Mac and Cheese ahead for a party?

Yes! Prepare the recipe as directed, cool, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring in a splash of milk. You can garnish just before serving. For potlucks or gatherings, keep warm in a slow cooker for cheesy, saucy success all party long.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s both cozy and remarkably easy, One-Pot Kielbasa Mac and Cheese is about to be your new favorite. It’s brimming with comfort, packed with flavor, and destined to bring smiles to any table. Gather your pot, your ingredients, and a few hungry folks—then dive into the bubbly, cheesy, sausage-studded goodness tonight!

One-Pot Kielbasa Mac and Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 7 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

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.

Instructions

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 until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Garlic: In the same pot, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds.
Cook the Pasta: Add pasta, chicken broth, milk, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 8-10 minutes until pasta is tender.
Make It Cheesy: Reduce heat, add cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and butter. Stir until melted and creamy.
Add the Kielbasa: Return kielbasa to the pot and heat for 1-2 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.

Notes

Add Vegetables: Toss in frozen peas, broccoli, or bell peppers for extra veggies.
Make it Spicy: Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for a kick.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American