Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of One-Pot Kielbasa Mac and Cheese, an easy and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. This delightful recipe features tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a luscious cheddar sauce and complemented by perfectly browned chicken sausage. Not only is it quick to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes—but it’s also versatile, allowing you to customize the protein and add your favorite veggies. With minimal cleanup thanks to its one-pot preparation, this dish promises comfort food at its finest that everyone at your table will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 14 oz chicken sausage, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups elbow macaroni
- 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 olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned (4-5 minutes). Remove from pot.
- In the same pot, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add elbow macaroni, chicken broth, whole milk, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 8-10 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Stir in cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and unsalted butter until melted and creamy.
- Return cooked sausage to the pot and stir until heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Swap chicken sausage for turkey or beef for varied flavors. Add vegetables like spinach or peas during cooking for extra nutrition. Experiment with different cheeses to create unique flavor profiles.