One-Pot Sauerkraut and Kielbasa Pasta
A quick and hearty pasta dish where smoky kielbasa and tangy sauerkraut meld together in a creamy sauce with penne pasta. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, drained sauerkraut, small, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 14 oz, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds smoked kielbasa sausage
- 1 1/2 cups, drained sauerkraut
- 1 small, diced yellow onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz sliced smoked kielbasa and cook for 5 minutes until browned on edges.
- Step 2: Add 1 small diced yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the kielbasa. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onion softens and garlic is fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 12 oz penne pasta, 1 1/2 cups drained sauerkraut, and 3 cups chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover.
- Step 4: Simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Let sit uncovered for 2 minutes to thicken before serving warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Sauerkraut and Kielbasa Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Sauerkraut and Kielbasa Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Sauerkraut and Kielbasa Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Sauerkraut and Kielbasa Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Sauerkraut and Kielbasa Pasta?
American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
