This One Pot Creamy Kielbasa Tortellini is smothered in a light cheddar cheese sauce and takes less than 30 minutes to make. Even picky eaters love it!
It’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve posted a recipe for a one dish meal, and that’s been way too long! I think I may be slightly addicted to these easy dinners, but they get the job done. Now that the kids are back in school, my energy level is at zero by dinnertime. And with homework, there’s not a lot of time to spend washing dishes, so these one-dish wonders, as the Hubs calls them, are perfect!
I usually make these meals with chicken or beef, but this time I wanted something completely different. I grew up eating kielbasa, or Polish sausage, but we don’t have it that often. And when we do have it, I usually make it with fried potatoes, or with haluski, or I serve it like a hot dog, in a bun. The kids like it though, and since it’s already cooked, it doesn’t take long at all to make.
If you’re a Polish sausage fan, you might like these quick and easy kielbasa recipes
- Polish Sausage Dogs
- Kielbasa Sauerkraut Sliders
- Kielbasa and Haluski
- Sheet Pan BBQ Smoked Sausage
- Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Dinner
So the other day, my little guy asked for chicken tortellini, and since I had made that earlier in the week, I decided to combine kielbasa with the tortellini and see how the family liked it. I made this one pot creamy kielbasa tortellini — an easy dinner recipe!
Tortellini needs a creamy sauce, and since cheddar cheese goes so well with kielbasa, I made a light creamy cheddar cheese sauce to coat the pasta and meat. I also added some frozen peas and a dash of fresh parsley to add a little more color to the dish.
I love using onions and garlic, and I usually use fresh. But, we were in a time crunch, so I opted to use dried onions and garlic, instead. If you have some extra time, by all means use the fresh. But there’s nothing wrong with using dried spices!
My family is divided about cheese. Some love it, and some don’t. The first time I made this one pot kielbasa tortellini skillet, I used about 3 cups of cheese, and some folks said that was way too cheesy. Of course, the cheese lovers thought it was just right!
This time, I only added 2 cups of cheddar cheese, and it was creamier, but just a tad less cheesy. Everyone loved it though, and there were no complaints. It’s creamy, slightly smoky, cheesy and just a wonderfully satisfying meal.
And because you cook it all in one pot, clean up is super easy, as well! Happy mom, happy life, right?
New! If you have an Instant Pot, try Instant Pot creamy kielbasa tortellini!
How to Make One Pot Creamy Kielbasa Tortellini
One Pot Creamy Kielbasa Tortellini
Ingredients
- 1 pound kielbasa thinly sliced
- 3 cups water
- 1 20-ounce package of cheese tortellini
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onions
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup frozen peas
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley optional
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the kielbasa until warm
- Add the tortellini, water, onions, paprika and garlic powder
- Cover, and cook on high, stirring occasionally, until tortellini is almost done
- Stir in the peas
- Uncover to let liquids reduce. Reduce heat to medium low, and stir in the mustard, cream and cheddar cheese
- When cheese melts, top with chopped parsley, if using, and serve
Notes
Nutrition
Have a wonderful day, friends!
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Krissy says
This was delicious! And very easy to add extra veggies. I like to add broccoli or asparagus in addition to the peas. 🙂 I used chicken stock instead of water and used 3 cups. Since I used 3 cups, I lessened the heavy cream to a 1 cup and it came out yummy! Definitely going to add this into the menu rotation!
Dee says
Thanks so much, Krissy. Glad you liked it! 🙂
Kim says
Loved it! Found this recipe this morning and made it for dinner tonight as I had all the ingredients on hand. This was so delicious and so easy to make! Thank you!
Dee says
You’re very welcome, Kim. Glad you liked it!
Joan Martini says
Great dish!!! I didn’t have peas, so I substituted spinach!
Delicious!!!
Dee says
Awesome! Thank you so much, Joan!
Salbri says
Very easy to make and very tasty!!! Thank you!!!
Dee says
Thank you so much! I’m glad you liked it!
Heather T. says
Oh man, this was a real treat–and so easy to fix. Thanks!
Dee says
I’m glad you liked it, Heather. Thank you so much!
terry hand says
Can you use a can of Beer instead of water to cook your Kielbasa’s. My uncle uses beer to cook his kielbassa. I don’t want to ruin it but I’m not sure if it would add more flavor.
Dee says
I haven’t used beer with this type of recipe, but you could try it. 🙂
Chris says
Absolutely delightful and so flavorful and quick for a weeknight fix😉 I really enjoyed this, and will make it again. Thank you so much for taking the time to share it with the world! I’m grateful!
Dee says
So happy you liked it, Chris! Thanks for letting me know. 🙂
Erin says
I made this tonight and it’s amazing. So easy. I recommend bringing everything to a boil when you add the cheese. Helps it melt consistently and thicken up the sauce. I will be making this regularly!
Samantha Ashmore says
This was yummy! I used chicken broth instead of water, I also chopped a green pepper and onion. Anytime I make a new dish and the hubby love’s it I absolutely makes my heart heart smile. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe with us all.
Dee says
I am SO happy to hear this, Samantha! Thanks so much!
Megan says
Great receipe! Any suggestions on how to adapt it for a crock pot? Have a newborn and trying to simplify…
Dee says
Congrats! So sorry, but I have never tried making this in the Crock-Pot.