If there’s one thing I love on a busy weeknight, it’s a hearty meal that comes together with minimal effort—and in just one pot, no less! This Instant Pot cheesy kielbasa pasta hits all the right notes: savory sausage, tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, and a melty, rich cheddar sauce. You’ll have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes, and everyone will be asking for seconds (if there’s any left!).

This recipe is a lifesaver when I need something quick and delicious, and it’s even better the next day for leftovers. Plus, there’s hardly any cleanup. What’s not to love?

Instant Pot Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Recipe

The first time I tried this recipe…

I was skeptical about making pasta in an Instant Pot. I’d heard horror stories of pasta turning into mush or sticking to the bottom of the pot. But I was in a rush and craving something cheesy and hearty, so I gave it a shot. I remember that first waft of savory kielbasa and garlic when I lifted the lid—the whole kitchen smelled like a cozy dinner waiting to happen! And the texture? Perfectly cooked pasta with just the right bite, all smothered in a creamy cheese sauce. I was hooked from the very first bite, and this recipe has been a go-to ever since.

The origin of cheesy kielbasa pasta

This recipe feels like a blend of Italian-American and Eastern European comfort foods. The combination of pasta with kielbasa sausage isn’t traditional in either cuisine but works so well, borrowing from Italian pasta dishes and the Eastern European love for smoky sausage. Kielbasa (a Polish sausage) adds a unique flavor that’s smoky, savory, and a little bit spicy, which balances out the richness of the cheese sauce.

The Instant Pot technique is a modern twist that makes this meal a breeze to prepare, cutting down the cook time significantly and infusing all the ingredients with incredible flavor in just a few minutes under pressure.

Let’s talk ingredients: flavor, quality, and easy swaps

Kielbasa: This smoked sausage brings tons of flavor with just a quick sauté. If you’re out of kielbasa, you can substitute with smoked sausage, chorizo, or even sliced chicken sausage. The key is to use a sausage with a smoky flavor, which pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Onion: The onion gives a savory base to the sauce and balances out the richness. Yellow onions are ideal here, but white or red onions can work too. Just be sure to dice it finely so it blends into the sauce.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work as a substitute (use about 1/2 teaspoon per clove), but fresh really is best here.
Penne Pasta: Penne holds up well in the Instant Pot and soaks in the sauce beautifully. Feel free to swap with rigatoni or ziti if that’s what you have on hand. I’ve also used whole wheat penne, which adds a bit more texture and a slightly nutty flavor.
Chicken Broth: This is what cooks the pasta and forms the base of the sauce. If you want to make it vegetarian, substitute with vegetable broth. Low-sodium broth is a good choice if you’re watching your salt intake.
Diced Tomatoes: They add a slight acidity that balances the cheese and sausage. I love the texture and juiciness they bring. If you’re not a fan of chunky tomatoes, you could use tomato sauce instead.
Milk: This adds creaminess without making the dish too heavy. I usually go with 2%, but any milk (even plant-based) should work. Avoid heavy cream, though, as it can make the sauce too thick.
Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar is key to a smooth, melty sauce. Pre-shredded cheese can be used, but it often has anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. I recommend sharp cheddar for the best flavor!

Kitchen gear: What you’ll need for this recipe

Instant Pot: The star of the show! I use a 6-quart model, but a larger size will work just as well.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and scraping up any browned bits after cooking the sausage, which adds so much flavor to the sauce.
Cheese grater: If you’re using fresh cheddar, a box grater makes quick work of shredding.
Serving dish (optional): While the pasta is delicious straight from the Instant Pot, transferring it to a big bowl makes for easier serving and presentation.

Step-by-step: Making cheesy kielbasa pasta in the Instant Pot

Sauté the sausage
Start by pressing the “Sauté” button on your Instant Pot. Once it’s hot, add the sliced kielbasa. Sauté until the sausage starts to brown slightly, stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking. This takes about 3-4 minutes. Once done, scoop the sausage out and set it aside on a plate.
Cook the onions and garlic
In the same pot (don’t worry about cleaning it), add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds so much flavor to the final dish. Then, add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant.
Add the pasta, broth, and tomatoes
Press “Cancel” to stop the sauté function. Pour in the penne pasta and add the chicken broth. Give it a gentle stir to make sure the pasta is mostly submerged. Then, add the diced tomatoes (including the juices) on top, but don’t stir! This layering helps prevent the dreaded “burn” message.
Cook on high pressure
Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high for 4 minutes. When the timer beeps, do a quick release to prevent overcooking.
Stir in the milk and cheese
Carefully remove the lid and give everything a good stir. Pour in the milk and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Add the sausage back in
Finally, add the cooked sausage back to the pot and give it a final stir. Serve warm, and enjoy!

Variations and adaptations

Vegetarian version: Swap the kielbasa for plant-based sausage or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian version.
Spicy twist: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or drizzle in some hot sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.
Low-carb option: For a keto-friendly version, use low-carb pasta or substitute with zucchini noodles (cook separately and mix in after the sauce is ready).
Seasonal vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or even broccoli florets. Just add these with the pasta to cook under pressure.
Different cheeses: Experiment with gouda, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile. Gouda adds a smoky richness, while mozzarella gives a creamier texture.

Serving ideas for a perfect presentation

Serve your Instant Pot cheesy kielbasa pasta in a large, shallow bowl to show off all those colors and textures. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. If you want to make it a full meal, pair it with a simple green salad and some crusty bread to mop up any extra sauce.

Drink pairings to complement the flavors

This pasta is rich and creamy, so a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio balances it nicely. If you prefer red, a light-bodied Pinot Noir works well. For beer lovers, a pilsner or a wheat beer is a refreshing option. Non-alcoholic choices like sparkling water with lemon or a lightly sweetened iced tea are also lovely.

Storage and reheating tips

This pasta stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess, and warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave. It’s perfect for meal prep or an easy lunch!

Scaling up or down

This recipe is designed for about 6 servings, but you can easily halve the ingredients if cooking for two. Just keep the cooking time the same. For larger gatherings, I suggest making it in two batches rather than doubling, as too much pasta can prevent the Instant Pot from reaching pressure.

Potential issues and how to avoid them

Burn warning: If you get a burn warning, it usually means something is sticking to the bottom. Avoid stirring the tomatoes into the pasta, and be sure to scrape up any browned bits after sautéing.
Overcooked pasta: Quick release the pressure as soon as the cooking time is up to keep the pasta al dente.

Give this recipe a try!

There’s something so satisfying about making an entire meal in one pot, especially when it’s this comforting and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this Instant Pot cheesy kielbasa pasta is sure to hit the spot. Give it a try and feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. I promise it’ll become one of your go-to weeknight dinners!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, shorter pasta like rotini or rigatoni works well. Just keep the cook time the same.

Q2: Can I make this without an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Just cook the pasta separately, then make the sauce on the stovetop and combine everything in a large skillet.

Q3: Can I freeze leftovers?
This pasta is best fresh, but you can freeze it. Reheat with a splash of milk to maintain the creamy texture.

Q4: Can I add other meats?
Sure! Try adding cooked chicken or bacon for more protein and flavor.

Q5: How do I make this gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free pasta, and make sure your sausage and broth are gluten-free as well.