Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet

Some nights call for a meal that’s hearty, creamy, and ready in under an hour without a mountain of dishes. That’s where the Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet comes in. This dish combines tender pasta, smoky sausage, fresh broccoli, and a rich cheddar cream sauce, all cooked in one skillet for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.

It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like comfort food but still includes veggies, so you can serve it proudly to the whole family. With its cheesy goodness, smoky bites of kielbasa, and vibrant green broccoli, it’s a one-pan wonder that hits all the right notes: cozy, satisfying, and flavorful.

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner, a dish to prep ahead for lunches, or a simple recipe that tastes like it came from a restaurant, this skillet checks every box.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan convenience – everything cooks in a single skillet, so cleanup is a breeze.
• Creamy and comforting – rich cheddar sauce coats every bite of pasta and sausage.
• Balanced meal – protein, veggies, and pasta in one dish.
• Affordable ingredients – pantry-friendly and budget-conscious.
• Family-friendly – kids love the cheesy sauce and pasta, while adults appreciate the smoky kielbasa flavor.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe makes about 4 generous servings.

Pasta and Vegetables

• 8 ounces of penne pasta
• 2 cups (182 g) of fresh broccoli florets, quartered

Protein

• 13.9-ounce ring of kielbasa sausage, cut into bite-sized slices

Sauce

• 1 ½ cups (367.5 g) of whole milk
• 1 ½ cups (169.5 g) of shredded mild cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 1 small yellow onion, diced (about ½ cup)
• 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan (with lid, if possible)
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Sauce whisk
• Colander (for pasta and broccoli)
• Cheese grater (if shredding fresh cheddar)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot.
4. Drain pasta and broccoli together, then set aside.

2. Cook the Kielbasa

1. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on both sides.
3. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving a little of the rendered fat for flavor.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in the milk and whisk to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
5. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
6. Gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, until smooth and creamy.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Bring It All Together

1. Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and kielbasa back into the skillet.
2. Toss gently until everything is coated in the creamy cheese sauce.
3. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to warm through.
4. Serve hot straight from the skillet.

Tips & Variations

• Swap the pasta: Use rotini, farfalle, or shells for a fun twist.
• Lighten it up: Use reduced-fat cheese and milk, or substitute half-and-half for a lighter creaminess.
• Add more veggies: Mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers make great additions.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or swap cheddar for pepper jack.
• Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This skillet is:

• Smoky and savory from the kielbasa.
• Creamy and cheesy from the cheddar sauce.
• Fresh and slightly crunchy from the broccoli.

Pairings:

• Drinks: A crisp lager, sparkling water with lemon, or iced tea.
• Sides: Garlic bread, a simple garden salad, or roasted vegetables for extra greens.

Nutritional Overview (per serving, estimate)

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 29 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fat: 31 g
• Fiber: 4 g

Dietary notes: High-protein, family-friendly, adaptable to gluten-free versions.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Pasta and broccoli can be cooked ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Sauce can be made a day ahead; reheat gently before tossing with pasta.
• Leftovers reheat best on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
• Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just add it directly to the pasta water for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.

Q2: Can I substitute another cheese?
Absolutely. Monterey Jack, gouda, or mozzarella all melt beautifully.

Q3: Can I make this in the oven?
Yes. After mixing everything together, transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly.

Q4: Does kielbasa need to be cooked first?
Kielbasa is usually pre-cooked, but browning it in the skillet deepens the flavor.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Task	Time
1	Cook pasta and broccoli	10 mins
2	Brown sausage	5 mins
3	Make sauce	8–10 mins
4	Combine everything	5 mins
Total Time		30–35 mins

Serving Suggestions

• Family dinner: Serve in the skillet at the table with extra Parmesan.
• Lunch prep: Portion into containers for quick grab-and-go meals.
• Cozy night in: Pair with garlic breadsticks and a light green salad.

Recipe Variations

1. Kielbasa Mac and Cheese – Replace penne with elbow pasta and add extra cheddar.
2. Cheesy Sausage Veggie Bake – Mix with more vegetables and bake with breadcrumbs on top.
3. Broccoli Cheddar Kielbasa Soup – Use the same ingredients but turn it into a hearty soup with chicken broth.

Ingredient Spotlight: Kielbasa

Kielbasa is a Polish sausage that’s smoky, garlicky, and usually pre-cooked, which makes it perfect for quick meals. Look for high-quality kielbasa with fewer fillers for the best flavor. Store unopened in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, and once opened, consume within 5 days.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Don’t overcook broccoli; blanching it with pasta keeps it crisp-tender.
• Shred cheese from a block—pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Use whole milk for the creamiest sauce, but half-and-half works if you prefer richer flavor.
• Brown kielbasa well—it adds depth and smoky flavor to the sauce.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of milk to revive the sauce.
• Freezing: Not recommended—cream-based sauces often separate when frozen.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber
620	29 g	54 g	31 g	4 g

Dietary Notes: High in protein, family-friendly, and adaptable to gluten-free pasta.

Conclusion

The Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet is the ultimate weeknight dinner: comforting, flavorful, and ready in just about 30 minutes. It’s hearty enough to satisfy big appetites, yet packed with wholesome ingredients like broccoli and protein-rich sausage.

With its one-pan convenience, smoky kielbasa, and cheesy cream sauce, this dish is bound to become a regular in your meal rotation. Serve it bubbling hot straight from the skillet for a meal that feels both rustic and indulgent.

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