Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet – A Flavorful One-Pan Dinner

If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting, and family-friendly dinner, this Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet is exactly what you need. This easy one-pan dish combines tender penne pasta, smoky kielbasa sausage, crisp-tender broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce for the ultimate weeknight meal.

It’s quick, flavorful, and requires minimal cleanup, making it the perfect go-to recipe when time is short but you still want a home-cooked masterpiece.

Cooking a Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet is simple, yet the end result feels like something from a cozy kitchen diner — creamy, smoky, and satisfying in every bite.

This recipe highlights the magic of one-pan meals: hearty proteins, wholesome vegetables, and pasta all tied together with a creamy cheddar sauce.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding a hungry family, or just craving something comforting, this skillet dinner delivers every time.

Why You’ll Love This Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet

• One-Pot Meal: The Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet brings pasta, smoky kielbasa, fresh broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce together in a single pan for easy prep and minimal cleanup.
• Balanced & Nutritious: Packed with protein, carbs, vegetables, and dairy, this skillet makes a well-rounded family dinner.
• Flavor-Packed: Smoky kielbasa, sharp cheddar, and aromatic garlic create a savory, irresistible combination in the Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a fast, satisfying meal.
• Kid-Friendly: Cheesy pasta with sausage and broccoli appeals even to picky eaters, making the Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet a family favorite.
• Versatile & Customizable: Swap broccoli for zucchini, spinach, or peas, and adjust the type or amount of cheese to suit your taste.

Ingredients for Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet

Ingredient	Amount
Penne pasta	8 ounces
Fresh broccoli florets, quartered	2 cups (182 g)
Kielbasa sausage, cut into bite-sized slices	13.9-ounce ring
Whole milk	1 ½ cups (367.5 g)
Shredded mild cheddar cheese	1 ½ cups (169.5 g)
Unsalted butter	2 tablespoons
Yellow onion, diced	1 small (about ½ cup)
Minced garlic	1 teaspoon
Salt and pepper	To taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)	As desired

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. In the last 2 minutes of the pasta’s cooking time, add the broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Kielbasa

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add Onion and Garlic

Once the kielbasa is browned, stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.

4. Make the Cream Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the milk until fully dissolved. Slowly pour the milk mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.

5. Add the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

6. Combine Everything

Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve and Garnish

Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot straight from the skillet.

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Cooking Tips for the Perfect Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet

• Don’t overcook the broccoli: To keep your broccoli crisp-tender and full of color, add it to the pot during the last few minutes of boiling the pasta. Overcooked broccoli can become mushy and lose both texture and nutrients.
• Choose quality kielbasa: The flavor of your Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet depends a lot on the sausage. Opt for a smoky, well-seasoned kielbasa for maximum taste, as it will infuse the whole dish with rich, savory notes.
• Use freshly shredded cheese: For a smooth, creamy sauce, shred your cheese fresh at home. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting properly, leaving your sauce slightly grainy.
• Go creamy for extra indulgence: For an even richer and silkier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream along with the milk. This elevates your Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet into a luxuriously creamy, comforting meal.

Variations for Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet

• Protein Swaps: Switch out the kielbasa for smoked turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even shrimp for a lighter or different protein option. Each choice brings its own flavor and texture to the skillet.
• Vegetable Options: Broccoli is great, but you can easily substitute it with green beans, peas, zucchini, or fresh spinach. This lets you use what’s in season or what your family prefers.
• Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses to change the flavor profile. Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites all melt beautifully and add a unique twist to the sauce.
• Extra Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of paprika, mustard powder, or even a little smoked paprika to the cheese sauce for a deeper, more complex taste. You can also toss in some red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Serving Suggestions

Serving Suggestion	Details
Garlic Bread	Perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
Side Salad	A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness.
Roasted Vegetables	Extra roasted bell peppers or carrots add color and nutrition.
Beverage	Sparkling water with a slice of lemon for a refreshing finish.

Nutritional Benefits

• Kielbasa: A hearty source of protein that helps keep you full and satisfied. Its smoky flavor adds depth to the dish while contributing essential nutrients.
• Broccoli: Packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, broccoli supports immune health, digestion, and overall wellness.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides protein and calcium, making the skillet both creamy and nutritious. It adds a rich flavor while contributing to bone health.
• Pasta: Supplies energy-sustaining carbohydrates, keeping you fueled throughout the evening. Opting for whole-grain pasta can add extra fiber.

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