Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet

Name: Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 3 cups fresh broccoli florets; 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds; 2 tbsp butter; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 2 cups whole milk; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp pepper; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Let me tell you about a dish that’s about to become your go-to weeknight dinner: Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet. Picture smoky kielbasa sizzling in a skillet, mingling with tender broccoli florets, thick penne pasta, and a rich, golden cheddar cheese sauce. This is comfort food that checks all the boxes—easy, hearty, and delicious.It’s the kind of meal that makes hungry stomachs happy in just 30 minutes. You won’t be slaving over a stove for hours—just one skillet and you’re basically a culinary rockstar. Whether you’re a busy parent trying to get dinner on the table, a student craving something better than ramen, or someone who’s just into delicious food without a fuss, this skillet meal delivers.

And if you’re down for even more comforting skillet dishes, you’ve got to check out Benigni’s Potato Soup – it’s just as soul-warming.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Let’s break it down. Here’s what you’ll need—and how you can swap things if you’re out of something or just feel like experimenting:

Penne Pasta (12 oz)
Classic choice! Swap with fusilli, rotini, shells—whatever you have on hand. Gluten-free options work too; just check cooking time.
Fresh Broccoli Florets (3 cups)
Fresh gives the best texture, but frozen’s okay—just skip the blanch step and steam it along with your pasta.
Kielbasa Sausage (1 lb)
This gives that smoky, savory backbone. Try andouille, turkey sausage, bratwurst, even chorizo for spicy flair.
Cheddar Cheese (2 cups shredded)
Mild cheddar is lovely, but blend in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for flavor depth.
Whole Milk (2 cups)
Don’t overthink it—use whatever milk you’ve got. Heavy cream = extra luscious; half & half works if that’s what’s in your fridge.
Cornstarch (2 tbsp)
What thickens your cheese sauce into that velvety, clingy texture. Flour works too, but may need a touch more liquid.
Butter (2 tbsp)
For that silky, rich start. Olive oil is fine if you prefer.
Onion (1 medium, diced) and Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
Basic aromatics—don’t skip! They mellow the sharpness and add depth.
Salt (½ tsp) & Pepper (¼ tsp)
Always taste and adjust.
Parsley (2 tbsp, chopped; optional)
Freshens it up at the end.

Overhead shot of creamy kielbasa broccoli pasta in a cast iron skillet with cheddar cheese sauce

Vegetable Substitution Suggestions

Want to mix things up or use up what’s lingering in your fridge? Here are great stand-ins:

Spinach or kale: Stir in near the end—wilts quickly.
Frozen peas: Toss them in with the pasta for a pop of sweetness.
Asparagus: Trim and slice into 1” pieces—cook with broccoli.
Green beans or carrots: Thinly sliced & sautéed—perfect texture.
Zucchini or bell peppers: Saute separately and mix in just before serving.

These veggies bring color, nutrients, and drama. Need more veggie ideas? Take a peek at Vegetarian Fajita Cornbread Casserole.

Suggested Side Dishes

This skillet is satisfying on its own, but let’s round it out:

Wedge salad – crisp lettuce, creamy dressing, tangy pickles.
Roasted veggies – broccoli, carrots, zucchini say “yes, please.”
Crusty bread, dinner rolls, or garlic knots – wipe up every last cheesy drop. Try the Homemade Italian Bread.
Coleslaw – bright + crunchy contrast to the creamy sauce.

These sides bring balance, texture, and just enough extra variety.

Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? You’re about to be meal-prep hero:

Fridge: Pop in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: You can, but creamy sauces might separate—best fresh.
Reheating: Add a splash of milk (or extra cheese) and warm on low. Stir to refresh the sauce—no drying out here.

This meal plays well as a leftover superstar. Scan through leftovers with a dash of milk, and you’re golden.

Recipe Card

Creamy kielbasa broccoli skillet with cheesy penne pasta and seared sausage slices, styled for Pinterest sharing.

Close-up of creamy kielbasa sausage, broccoli, and penne pasta in a rich cheddar cheese sauce served in a black bowl.

Reader Comments & Q&A

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble through the cheese sauce part, cover it in the fridge, and heat when you’re ready—just add fresh parsley after warming.

What about gluten-free?

Easy—swap the penne for a gluten-free pasta. Cook the same amount of time and combine as usual.

My kids aren’t broccoli fans…

Sub in peas, spinach, or finely chopped carrots and they’ll probably dig it just as much

“I made this tonight and everyone asked for seconds. My picky eater even said ‘this is awesome, Mom!’”
“Quick comfort food that doesn’t taste rushed—definitely a repeat in our house!”

If you like hearty skillet dinners, don’t miss our Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup.

Discover more dishes your crew will love:

Another delicious sausage skillet dinner: Baked Caprese Chicken Skillet – bright, cheesy, Italian vibes.
Looking for more broccoli-based recipes?: Broccoli Raisin Salad – fresh, crunchy, and a great side or light lunch.
Want to cook with kielbasa differently?: Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole – perfect for brunch or weekend feeding.
Serve it with roasted potatoes for a full meal: Country Potatoes (crispy & golden) – perfect comfort-food pairing.

Final Thoughts

So there it is—your ticket to a creamy, cheesy, kielbasa-and-broccoli skillet that’s ready in a flash and lab-tested for flavor. It’s happy, humble, and hassle-free—exactly what a weeknight dinner should be. Let me know how it lands in your kitchen (especially if the kids love it!), and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss the next skillet star!

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