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Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet in 30 Minutes Recipe

Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet in 30 Minutes Recipe

4.8 from 20 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Keywords: kielbasa skillet recipe, creamy kielbasa pasta, broccoli skillet dinner, quick cheese sauce recipe, one-pan meal