Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet 30 Minutes Ultimate Delicious
Get ready to indulge in a mouthwatering, creamy, and comforting one-pan wonder – the Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet! This easy-to-make dish combines the savory flavors of kielbasa sausage, the freshness of broccoli, and a luscious creamy sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. If you’re looking for a quick dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this is it! It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s great for family gatherings—everyone will love it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this meal is perfect for those hectic evenings.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax and enjoy your food!
- Kid-Friendly: The creamy cheese sauce and tasty kielbasa make it appealing to even the pickiest eaters.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Rich flavors combined with wholesome ingredients ensure everyone leaves the table happy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather what you need!
For the Skillet
- 8 ounces of penne pasta
- 2 cups (182 g) of fresh broccoli florets, quartered
- 13.9-ounce ring of kielbasa sausage, cut into bite-sized slices
- 1 1/2 cups (367.5 g) of whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups (169.5 g) of shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1 small diced yellow onion (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to suit your taste or pantry:
- Swap the protein: Try using turkey sausage or a plant-based alternative for a different flavor profile.
- Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers, spinach, or carrots for extra color and nutrition!
- Make it spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Cheese it up: Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack or gouda for unique flavors.
How to Make Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet 30 Minutes Ultimate Delicious
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling the penne pasta according to the package instructions. In the last 2 minutes of cooking time, add those vibrant broccoli florets to the pot. This way, both will be perfectly cooked together! Drain the pasta and broccoli mixture and set it aside.
Step 2: Brown the Kielbasa
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt your unsalted butter. Once melted, toss in the sliced kielbasa. Cook until it’s lightly browned—about 5 minutes—stirring occasionally. This step caramelizes the sausage’s natural sugars and infuses your dish with amazing flavor.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once your kielbasa is beautifully seared, stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant. This brings out their sweetness and adds depth to your creamy sauce.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch with whole milk until fully combined. Pour this mixture into your skillet and bring it all to a gentle simmer while stirring continuously. As it thickens—around 3-5 minutes—you’ll notice how rich and inviting it looks!
Step 5: Add Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and gradually mix in your shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until it’s melted completely and creates that smooth, creamy texture we all crave.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Now it’s time to add that cooked pasta and broccoli back into the skillet! Toss everything together gently until every bit is coated in that luscious cheese sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste—don’t forget this crucial step! Garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot straight from the skillet.
With just a few steps, you’ve created an incredible meal that’s sure to impress family or friends alike! Enjoy every delicious bite!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet 30 Minutes Ultimate Delicious
Making a delicious meal in just 30 minutes is all about preparation and technique, so here are some tips to elevate your cooking experience!
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Prep Ingredients Ahead: Chop your onions, garlic, and broccoli before you start cooking. This saves time during the cooking process and keeps things running smoothly.
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Use Quality Kielbasa: Opt for a high-quality kielbasa sausage for the best flavor. The better the sausage, the more depth of flavor it will bring to your creamy skillet dish.
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Adjust the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese! Mixing in sharp cheddar or adding a bit of cream cheese can enhance the creaminess and add a unique flavor profile.
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Don’t Skip Seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper as you go. Proper seasoning makes all the difference in bringing out the flavors of each ingredient.
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Make it Your Own: Add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and color. This not only boosts the health factor but also makes your dish visually appealing.
How to Serve Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet 30 Minutes Ultimate Delicious
Presentation is key to making any dish feel special! Here are some tips on serving this delightful skillet meal that will impress your family and friends.
Garnishes
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up each bite.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: A light dusting of Parmesan on top enhances the cheesiness while providing an extra layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious creamy sauce. Plus, it’s a favorite among everyone at the table!
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the skillet dish while adding freshness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasting seasonal veggies like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers brings out their natural sweetness and makes for a colorful side.
- Steamed Rice: Fluffy steamed rice can serve as a great base or side to soak up any leftover sauce from your creamy skillet.
Enjoy serving this hearty meal that brings warmth and comfort to your dinner table!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet is not only a delightful dinner option, but it also makes for an excellent meal prep recipe! You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the skillet to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Let the dish cool completely before freezing.
- Portion the skillet into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. To prevent freezer burn, make sure to remove as much air as possible from bags.
Reheating
- Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Heat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- If using a microwave, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.
FAQs
Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe!
Can I make this Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or omit it entirely for a delicious vegetarian version. Just add more veggies or legumes for added protein!
How long does it take to prepare this Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet?
This tasty dish can be made in just 30 minutes from start to finish! It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet satisfying.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! Feel free to substitute penne pasta with your favorite pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet as much as I do! It’s truly a comforting meal that brings together so many wonderful flavors in just one pan. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, this recipe is bound to impress. Happy cooking, and don’t hesitate to share your experience!
Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet, a hearty one-pan meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes! This dish features succulent turkey sausage combined with vibrant broccoli and a rich, creamy cheese sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe offers comfort and convenience without sacrificing flavor. It’s customizable too—feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or proteins! With minimal cleanup required, you can enjoy a delicious dinner while spending more quality time with loved ones.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, quartered
- 13.9-ounce turkey sausage, cut into bite-sized slices
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta as per package instructions, adding broccoli florets during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and brown the turkey sausage for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in diced onion and minced garlic; sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Whisk together cornstarch and whole milk; pour into the skillet and simmer until thickened (3-5 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low, stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Add cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet; mix well with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
