Creamy 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
Scale
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
