Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet 30 Minutes Ultimate Delicious

Get ready to indulge in a mouthwatering, creamy, and comforting one-pan wonder – the Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet! If you’re looking for an easy and delicious dinner option that the whole family will love, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or delightful family gatherings. With just 30 minutes of cooking time, you can whip up this ultimate dish that combines savory kielbasa sausage with fresh broccoli and a rich, creamy sauce. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!

This Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet is not just about great flavor—it’s also about simplicity. You’ll find that it’s made with wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup for you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super quick preparation: In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty meal on the table.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the delightful flavors and creamy texture!
• One-pan wonder: Less mess to clean up means more time to enjoy your meal.
• Wholesome ingredients: Packed with nutritious broccoli and protein-rich kielbasa!
• Adaptable recipe: Easy to modify based on what you have at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create this delightful dish. You won’t need anything fancy—just good food that brings joy to your table.

For the Pasta and Broccoli

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

For the Sauce

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

For the Protein

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to make it even more exciting.

• Swap the protein: Try chicken or turkey sausage for a different flavor and texture.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrients.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
• Use different cheese: Experiment with pepper jack or gouda for unique cheesy goodness.

How to Make Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet 30 Minutes Ultimate Delicious

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Begin by boiling the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Don’t forget to add the broccoli florets in the last two minutes of cooking! This step ensures both ingredients are cooked perfectly together while saving time.

Step 2: Sauté the Kielbasa

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until it turns lightly browned, which takes about five minutes. Browning adds depth of flavor that makes this dish irresistible!

Step 3: Add Onions and Garlic

Once your kielbasa is seared beautifully, stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook them together for another 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and fragrant. This step builds layers of flavor that enhance your creamy sauce.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch with whole milk until fully combined. Pour this mixture into your skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir continuously for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens—this is where the magic happens!

Step 5: Cheese It Up!

Reduce heat to low and gradually mix in your shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted into a smooth sauce; this creamy goodness is what makes this dish so comforting.

Step 6: Combine Everything Together

Finally, add in your cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing everything together until well-coated in that luscious sauce. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste before serving hot from the skillet. A garnish of fresh parsley adds a lovely touch!

Now you’re ready to enjoy every bite of this Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet! It’s ultimate deliciousness at its best!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet 30 Minutes Ultimate Delicious

Cooking can be a delightful adventure, and with these tips, you’ll make your Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet even more enjoyable!

• Prep your ingredients ahead of time: Having everything chopped and measured out before you start cooking makes the process smoother and faster. This helps you focus on enjoying the cooking experience without feeling rushed.

• Use fresh broccoli: Fresh broccoli not only tastes better but also adds a vibrant color to your dish. It retains its crunchiness better than frozen broccoli, making every bite delightful.

• Adjust cheese to your taste: Feel free to mix different cheese varieties or adjust the amount based on your preferences. A sharper cheese can add a nice twist to the flavor profile, while milder cheeses keep it classic.

• Don’t skip the seasoning: Salt and pepper are essential to enhance the flavors in this dish. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning according to your liking for a well-rounded meal.

• Add a splash of lemon juice: For an extra zing, squeeze a little lemon juice over the finished dish. The acidity will brighten up the creamy sauce and balance out the richness beautifully.

How to Serve Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet 30 Minutes Ultimate Delicious

Presentation is key when serving up this comforting skillet dish! Here are some fun ideas to elevate your dining experience.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of bright green parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brings freshness that complements the creamy flavors.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: A light dusting of Parmesan enhances both texture and flavor, adding a savory depth to each bite.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce. It’s an easy-to-make favorite that everyone loves!

• Mixed Green Salad: A crisp salad with lettuce, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes dressed in a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich skillet dish.

• Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a nutritious touch and its bright green color complements the broccoli beautifully.

• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside offer a sweet balance to the savory kielbasa.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet will not only taste amazing but look fabulous too! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet is not just a delightful meal; it’s also perfect for meal prep! With its rich flavors and creamy texture, you can easily make it ahead of time, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool completely.
• Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. (Note: The texture may change slightly upon thawing.)

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

FAQs

If you have questions about this delicious dish, you’ve come to the right place!

Can I make the Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet without pasta?

Absolutely! You can substitute the penne pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter option. The creamy sauce will still shine through!

How can I enhance the flavor of my Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet?

For an extra kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes or your favorite herbs like thyme or oregano. These will elevate the dish even further!

Is there a way to make this Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet dairy-free?

Yes! You can use coconut milk instead of whole milk and nutritional yeast in place of cheddar cheese for a creamy, dairy-free alternative that’s still full of flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet — it’s truly a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy nights or cozy weekends. Whether you’re serving it up for family or enjoying it solo, it’s sure to satisfy! I’m excited for you to give this recipe a try. Happy cooking!