One Pan Kielbasa and Potatoes

hearty, flavorful skillet meal that pairs smoky kielbasa with golden potatoes and a blend of simple seasonings. Ready in under an hour and requiring just one pan, this recipe is both convenient and satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless preparation: With only one skillet to clean, you’ll spend less time on dishes and more time enjoying your meal.

• Minimal ingredients: Pantry staples like potatoes, kielbasa, and basic seasonings come together to create maximum flavor.

• Versatile: Easily adapt with additional vegetables or spices to suit your taste preferences.

• Family-friendly: Generous portions and familiar flavors make this a hit with both kids and adults.

• Impressive presentation: The vibrant medley of sausages, potatoes, and herbs looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 1½ pounds baby gold potatoes, quartered

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 (13.5-ounce) packages kielbasa or smoked sausage, cut into ½-inch rounds

• 1 cup yellow onion, chopped

• 1 cup carrots, diced into small cubes

• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced

• ¼ cup low-sodium chicken stock

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the skillet: In a 12-inch cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.

2. Cook the potatoes: Add the quartered potatoes, then season with salt, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 27–30 minutes. Transfer the potatoes to a plate and set aside.

3. Brown the kielbasa: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Arrange the kielbasa slices in a single layer and brown on both sides, about 3–4 minutes per side.

4. Sauté the aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion, carrots, Italian seasoning, and garlic. Continue cooking on medium–low, stirring frequently, until the onion and carrots soften, about 4–6 minutes.

5. Deglaze and combine: Pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Return the potatoes to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Adjust seasonings if necessary.

6. Finish and serve: Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Swap the potatoes: Use sweet potatoes for a touch of natural sweetness—just be mindful of slightly longer cook times.

• Add more veggies: Stir in sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans during the sauté step for extra color and nutrition.

• Spicy kick: Replace Cajun seasoning with a pinch of red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce.

• Herb-infused oil: Mix chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano) into the olive oil before heating for an aromatic boost.

storage/reheating

• Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: Not recommended, as potatoes may become mushy.

• Reheating (Oven): Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and warm at 175 °C (350 °F) for 10–15 minutes.

• Reheating (Stovetop): Gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

What kind of skillet is best for this recipe?

A 12-inch cast-iron skillet works best for even heat distribution and browning, but any large, heavy-bottomed pan will suffice.

Is the kielbasa already cooked?

Yes. Most kielbasa sausages are pre-cooked; this recipe simply browns and reheats them.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Substitute the kielbasa with smoked tofu or a plant-based sausage alternative, and use vegetable stock in place of chicken stock.

How can I adapt this for gluten-free diets?

Ensure your Cajun seasoning and chicken stock are gluten-free, and use certified gluten-free sausage if needed.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

You can peel and quarter the potatoes and chop the vegetables up to one day ahead; store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.

What should I serve alongside this dish?

Crusty bread, a simple green salad, or steamed vegetables complement this hearty skillet meal.

Can I use different potatoes?

Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or baby reds work well. Avoid high-starch russets, as they may break down too much.

How do I make the dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when seasoning the potatoes, or stir in a splash of hot sauce during the sauté.

Is it possible to cook this in the oven?

Yes; after browning the ingredients, transfer them to a baking dish and roast at 200 °C (400 °F) for 10–15 minutes to finish heating.

Can I add cheese?

Sprinkle shredded cheddar or melting cheese over the top just before serving for an indulgent twist.

Conclusion

This One Pan Kielbasa and Potatoes recipe delivers a balanced, flavor-packed meal with minimal cleanup—ideal for busy families and dinner hosts alike. Its straightforward method, flexible ingredients, and make-ahead options ensure that every bite is both delicious and stress-free. Whether you stick to the classic preparation or experiment with the suggested variations, this skillet dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite.