Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet in 30 Minutes Recipe
This Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet is a quick and comforting one-pan meal combining tender penne pasta, fresh broccoli, and savory kielbasa sausage in a rich cheddar cheese sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
- Author: lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups (182 g) fresh broccoli florets, quartered
Protein
- 13.9-ounce ring kielbasa sausage, cut into bite-sized slices
Dairy and Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups (367.5 g) whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups (169.5 g) shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Seasonings
- 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (assumed for thickening cheese sauce)
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook following package instructions, adding the broccoli florets during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
- Sear Kielbasa: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add kielbasa slices and cook until they are lightly browned and slightly crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, continuing to cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch into whole milk until fully dissolved. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the kielbasa and vegetables. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Melt Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded mild cheddar cheese until it melts fully and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked penne pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the creamy cheese sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Notes
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute penne pasta with gluten-free pasta.
- The cornstarch is essential to thicken the cheese sauce and should not be omitted.
- For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cheese and milk, but the sauce may be less creamy.
- Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: kielbasa skillet recipe, creamy kielbasa pasta, broccoli skillet dinner, quick cheese sauce recipe, one-pan meal