The Easy Family-Favorite Instant Pot Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe

Creamy, cheesy comfort awaits in this instant pot kielbasa pasta that brings together hearty sausage and irresistible flavors.

Weeknight dinners become effortless with this one-pot wonder that combines savory kielbasa with perfectly cooked pasta.

The tender meat and melted cheese create a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

Packed with rich, bold ingredients, this recipe turns an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Each bite delivers a satisfying blend of smoky sausage and gooey cheese that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Families and friends will gather around the table, eager to devour this crowd-pleasing dish.

Prepare to fall in love with a meal that comes together in minutes and leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Side Dishes That Pair Well with Kielbasa Pasta

• Savor Sausage Symphony: Pair this hearty kielbasa pasta with a crisp, light salad to balance the richness.
• Sip Perfectly Matched Wine: Grab a medium-bodied red like Zinfandel or Chianti to complement the smoky sausage and cheesy sauce.
• Crunch with Complementary Side: Serve some garlic bread or toasted crusty bread to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and add textural contrast.
• Brighten with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top to add a pop of color and fresh flavor that cuts through the dish's heaviness.

Flavor Ideas for Kielbasa Pasta Fans

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace penne pasta with gluten-free penne or rice pasta to accommodate wheat sensitivities while maintaining the recipe's core flavors.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Use reduced-sodium kielbasa and low-sodium chicken broth to decrease salt content without compromising taste profile.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap kielbasa with plant-based sausage or smoked tofu chunks, maintaining similar smoky flavor and protein content.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute milk and cheddar cheese with unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free cheese alternative like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute kielbasa with smoked sausage, andouille, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The base recipe isn’t spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or use a spicy sausage if you want more heat.

• Do I need to drain the diced tomatoes?

No, add the tomatoes with their juice. The liquid helps cook the pasta and creates a flavorful sauce.

• Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt this to a stovetop method by sautéing ingredients in a large pot and simmering the pasta in broth until tender.

Why This Kielbasa Pasta Is So Satisfying

• Browning kielbasa before cooking releases deep, rich flavors that transform the entire dish into a taste sensation.
• This Instant Pot recipe delivers a complete dinner in minutes, minimizing kitchen cleanup and maximizing deliciousness with minimal effort.
• Creamy cheese, hearty sausage, and tender pasta combine to create an ultimate crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.
• Simple layering technique and straightforward instructions make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring success with every attempt.

Ingredients for Cheesy Instant Pot Kielbasa Pasta

• Kielbasa Sausage: A smoky and flavorful sausage that adds depth to the pasta dish.

• Penne Pasta: A tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce well and provides a hearty texture.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that build a rich and savory flavor profile for the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and enhances the overall taste of the pasta.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture, acidity, and a slight tangy flavor to the recipe.
• Milk: Helps create a creamy and smooth sauce.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp and rich cheese flavor that melts into a creamy sauce.

Quick Steps to Make This Kielbasa Pasta Dish

Step 1: Brown the Kielbasa

Press the “Sauté” button on the Instant Pot.

Once heated, add sliced kielbasa and cook until golden brown.

Stir occasionally to ensure even caramelization.

Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving behind delicious browned bits for extra flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Use the same pot to cook diced onions.

Scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom.

After onions become soft and translucent, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn.

Step 3: Prepare Pasta Base

Cancel sauté mode and add penne pasta directly into the pot.

Pour in chicken broth, gently pressing pasta to ensure it’s mostly submerged.

Do not stir at this point to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Layer Tomatoes and Pressure Cook

Spread diced tomatoes over the pasta without stirring.

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to high pressure for 4 minutes.

The pot will take a few minutes to build pressure before cooking.

Step 5: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

Perform a quick pressure release.

Open the lid carefully and stir the contents.

• Milk
• Cheddar cheese

Stir until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.

Reintroduce the cooked kielbasa and mix well.

Serve hot and enjoy the delicious one-pot meal.

Tips to Perfect Your Cheesy Pasta with Kielbasa

• Caramelize kielbasa before cooking to unlock rich, smoky notes that enhance the entire dish's taste profile.
• Add garlic last during sautéing and cook for only 30 seconds to maintain its delicate flavor without scorching.
• Don't stir pasta after adding broth; instead, gently press it down and layer tomatoes on top to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Remove pot from heat before adding milk and cheese, stirring continuously to create a creamy, lump-free sauce.
• Use quick pressure release method to stop cooking immediately, preserving pasta's ideal al dente consistency and preventing overcooking.

Storing and Reheating This Comforting Pasta

• Store leftovers in a sealed container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the pasta stays fresh and maintains its delicious flavor.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of chicken broth or milk to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Typically takes 1-2 minutes.
• Pour pasta into skillet, add small amount of broth or water. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Heat until thoroughly warm and cheese melts smoothly, about 5-7 minutes.

Instant Pot Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 14 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets convenience in this kielbasa pasta, blending smoky sausage with creamy cheese in a quick Instant Pot marvel. Hearty ingredients and bold flavors merge seamlessly, offering you a satisfying meal that’s ready in minutes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 packages (12 ounces / 340 grams) kielbasa, sliced
• 16 ounces (454 grams) penne pasta
• 4 cups (450 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 cups (960 milliliters) chicken broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 1/2 cups (225 grams) diced onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 410 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Activate the Instant Pot’s sauté mode at medium-high heat. Add kielbasa slices and caramelize for 3-4 minutes until edges turn golden brown, releasing deep smoky undertones. Transfer browned sausage to a separate plate.
2. In the same pot, sauté diced onions, scraping any caramelized bits from the bottom. Cook until onions become translucent and soft, approximately 2-3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Deactivate sauté function and layer uncooked penne pasta directly into the pot. Pour chicken broth over pasta, ensuring most pasta is submerged. Do not stir at this stage to prevent potential scorching.
4. Gently spread diced tomatoes across the pasta surface without mixing. Secure Instant Pot lid, set to high pressure, and cook for 4 minutes. Allow 5-7 minutes for pressure to build.
5. Perform a quick pressure release after cooking. Open lid carefully, avoiding steam. Stir pasta thoroughly to combine ingredients. Mix in milk and cheddar cheese until sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
6. Reintroduce reserved kielbasa, folding gently into the cheesy pasta mixture. Let sit for 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving hot.

Notes

• Enhance sausage flavor by thoroughly browning kielbasa before removing from pot, developing deep caramelized notes that elevate overall dish complexity.
• Prevent pasta sticking by carefully layering ingredients without stirring, ensuring even cooking and preventing burnt bottom in Instant Pot.
• Customize protein options by substituting kielbasa with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or vegetarian sausage alternatives for dietary preferences.
• Adjust cheese consistency by using different cheese blends like pepper jack for heat, or adding cream cheese for extra richness and smoothness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 493
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1120 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 66 mg