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.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Kielbasa:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 14 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 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
- 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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 585 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1080mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 97mg
Keywords: Kielbasa, Mac and Cheese, One-Pot, Comfort Food, Easy Recipe
