Creamy Turkey and Broccoli Penne Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This creamy turkey broccoli skillet is a comforting and easy weeknight dinner that combines tender pasta, savory turkey sausage, and fresh broccoli in a cheesy sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a balanced meal all in one pan.

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
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, adding the broccoli florets during the last two minutes of cooking. Drain well and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the turkey sausage until lightly browned, about five minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional two to three minutes until the onion softens.
4. Step 4: Whisk the cornstarch into whole milk until smooth, then pour the mixture into the skillet. Simmer while stirring frequently until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use mild or spicy turkey sausage depending on your flavor preference for a different kick.
• Substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rotini or rigatoni for variety.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic and onions for subtle heat.
• For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based milk and cheese substitute.
• Make it extra creamy by stirring in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream at the end.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Add it during the last few minutes of cooking the pasta as directed, just as you would with fresh broccoli.

Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?

This recipe uses pasta, which is high in carbohydrates. For a low-carb version, try swapping the pasta for spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice.

Creamy Turkey and Broccoli Penne Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 85 reviews

This Creamy Turkey Broccoli Skillet is a delicious, one-pan pasta dish featuring tender turkey sausage, fresh broccoli, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce. Easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines wholesome ingredients with comforting flavors to create a hearty and satisfying meal.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Vegetables

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets

Protein

• 13.9 ounces turkey sausage

Dairy and Sauce

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Aromatics and Seasoning

• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (whisked into the milk)

Instructions

1. Cook pasta and broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Add the fresh broccoli florets during the last two minutes of cooking. Drain the pasta and broccoli and set them aside.
2. 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, about five minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
3. Cook aromatics: Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the turkey sausage. Cook for an additional two to three minutes until the onions soften and become translucent.
4. Prepare and simmer sauce: Whisk the cornstarch into the whole milk until fully dissolved. Pour the milk mixture into the skillet and simmer while stirring continuously. Cook for three to five minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Add cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded mild cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
6. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing gently to ensure everything is evenly coated with the cheese sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot immediately.

Notes

• For a lower-fat version, substitute whole milk with 2% or skim milk and use reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
• If turkey sausage is unavailable, substitute with chicken sausage or lean ground turkey.
• Fresh broccoli can be swapped for frozen broccoli florets if fresh is not available; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
• To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and verify that the turkey sausage is gluten-free.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: turkey sausage skillet, creamy pasta, broccoli pasta skillet, one-pan dinner, cheesy turkey pasta