Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet

introduction

This Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet is a quick, warm meal with sausage, pasta, broccoli, and a mild cheese sauce. It cooks fast and tastes rich. If you like creamy pasta meals, you may also enjoy the Cajun chicken and creamy garlic parmesan for another easy weeknight idea.

why make this recipe

This dish is simple and fast. It uses one skillet for the sauce and a pot for pasta. Kids and adults like the mild cheese sauce and the browned kielbasa. It gives you vegetables, protein, and pasta in one pan.

how to make Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet

Cook the pasta and broccoli first so they are tender. Brown the sliced kielbasa in a hot skillet. Add onion and garlic and cook until soft. Mix cornstarch into milk, pour into the skillet, and stir until the sauce thickens. Turn heat low and melt the cheddar into the sauce. Add the drained pasta and broccoli and toss to coat. Serve right away.

Ingredients :

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (bite-sized)
• 13.9-ounce kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 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
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions :

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package directions. Two minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the pot.
2. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside. Reserve a small cup of the pasta water.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter, add the sliced kielbasa and sauté until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
5. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the milk until smooth, then pour into the skillet. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens.
6. Reduce heat to low, stir in the cheddar until melted.
7. Add pasta and broccoli, toss to coat everything in the sauce, and serve immediately.

how to serve Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet

Serve hot right from the skillet. Add a sprinkle of black pepper or a little extra cheese on top. A side salad or crusty bread goes well with it.

how to store Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet

Let the dish cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat and add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

tips to make Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet

• Brown the kielbasa well for more flavor.
• Whisk the cornstarch into the milk until smooth to avoid lumps.
• If the sauce gets too thick after sitting, add a little milk or pasta water to thin it.
• For a milder bite, use less onion or cook it longer until very soft.
• For another creamy pasta idea, try the creamy beef and shells recipe for different flavors.

variation (if any)

• Swap penne for shells, rotini, or any pasta you like.
• Use smoked or spicy kielbasa for a different taste.
• Stir in a handful of spinach at the end for more greens.
• Use sharp cheddar or a mix of cheeses for a stronger flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes. Add frozen broccoli to the boiling pasta two minutes before it is done, just like fresh.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: You can try a dairy-free milk and vegan cheese, but the sauce texture may change. Use a bit more cornstarch if needed.

Q: Can I prep this ahead?
A: You can cook the pasta and broccoli and keep them separate in the fridge. Reheat and finish the sauce right before serving.

Q: Can I use chicken instead of kielbasa?
A: Yes. Cut cooked chicken into pieces and add it when you add the pasta and broccoli.

Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet

A quick and creamy pasta dish featuring kielbasa sausage and broccoli in a mild cheese sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Pasta and Vegetables

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets Bite-sized

Main Ingredients

• 13.9 ounces kielbasa sausage, sliced Into 1/4-inch rounds
• 1.5 cups whole milk
• 1.5 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper To taste

Method

 

Cooking Pasta and Broccoli

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions.
2. Two minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the pot.
3. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside. Reserve a small cup of the pasta water.

Making the Sauce

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter, then add the sliced kielbasa and sauté until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the milk until smooth, then pour into the skillet. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens.
4. Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.

Combining and Serving

1. Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet and toss to coat everything in the sauce.
2. Serve immediately, hot from the skillet.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 22gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5g

Notes

For added flavor, brown the kielbasa well. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen it. Serve with a sprinkle of black pepper or extra cheese on top, along with a side salad or crusty bread.

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