Creamy Turkey and Broccoli Penne Skillet Recipe
This Creamy Turkey Broccoli Skillet is a hearty and comforting one-pan meal combining tender penne pasta, fresh broccoli florets, and savory turkey sausage in a luscious cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, the dish balances protein, vegetables, and creamy goodness for a satisfying and delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 13.9 ounces turkey sausage
- 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
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Add the fresh broccoli florets during the last two minutes of cooking to ensure they remain crisp-tender. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Turkey Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter. Add the turkey sausage, breaking it apart, and cook until it is lightly browned and cooked through, about five minutes.
- Cook Onion and Garlic: Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, for two to three minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch into the whole milk until fully combined. Pour the milk mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about three to five minutes.
- Add Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the shredded mild cheddar cheese until completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked penne pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything evenly with the cheese sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot immediately.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute turkey sausage with chicken sausage or vegetarian sausage for variation.
- For a lighter version, use 2% or skim milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly to 2 teaspoons.
- To add extra flavor, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the sausage.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for a larger family meal or leftovers.
Keywords: Turkey sausage skillet, broccoli pasta, creamy pasta skillet, one-pan dinner, easy weeknight meal
