Creamy Turkey Broccoli Penne Skillet Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Turkey Broccoli Skillet is a comforting and easy one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender turkey sausage, fresh broccoli, and cheesy pasta come together in a rich, creamy sauce that everyone will love.
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
- Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water during the last two minutes of cooking. Drain both and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the turkey sausage and cook until lightly browned, about five minutes.
- Step 3: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another two to three minutes, until the onions are softened.
- Step 4: Whisk cornstarch into the whole milk until smooth, then pour this mixture into the skillet. Simmer while stirring frequently until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Reduce the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely into the sauce.
- Step 6: Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- For a gluten-free option, substitute penne pasta with gluten-free pasta of your choice.
- Try using smoked turkey sausage for added depth of flavor.
- If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the sausage.
- Swap mild cheddar with sharp cheddar or a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for a different cheese profile.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute turkey sausage with chicken sausage, pork sausage, or even a plant-based sausage depending on your preference.
What can I do if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can use all-purpose flour as a thickener instead. Mix it with a little cold milk to make a smooth paste, then add it to the sauce in the same way you would use cornstarch.
PrintCreamy Turkey Broccoli Penne Skillet Recipe
This Creamy Turkey Broccoli Skillet combines tender penne pasta, fresh broccoli, and savory turkey sausage in a luscious cheddar cheese sauce. Cooked all in one pan, it’s a comforting, protein-packed meal perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Meat
- 13.9 ounces turkey sausage
Dairy and Sauces
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Produce and Seasonings
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta and broccoli: Prepare the penne pasta according to package instructions, adding the fresh broccoli florets during the last two minutes of cooking to ensure they become tender but remain vibrant. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté turkey sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the turkey sausage and cook until it is lightly browned and cooked through, about five minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Cook onion and garlic: Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Continue cooking for two to three minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.
- Make cheese sauce: Whisk cornstarch into the whole milk until smooth, then pour this mixture into the skillet. Simmer while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, which should take about three to five minutes.
- Melt cheese into sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded mild cheddar cheese until completely melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Combine pasta and serve: Add the cooked penne pasta and broccoli into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.
Notes
- To make this dish lighter, use reduced-fat cheddar cheese and low-fat milk.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute penne pasta with gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Fresh herbs like parsley can be sprinkled on top before serving for added freshness.
Keywords: creamy turkey skillet, broccoli pasta skillet, turkey sausage recipe, cheesy pasta skillet, quick weeknight dinner
