Creamy Turkey Broccoli Penne Skillet Recipe
This Creamy Turkey Broccoli Skillet is a comforting and hearty one-pan meal featuring tender penne pasta, nutritious broccoli florets, savory turkey sausage, and a rich cheddar cheese sauce. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that combines protein, veggies, and carbs in a creamy, satisfying dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Meat and Dairy
- 13.9 ounces turkey sausage
- 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: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Add the fresh broccoli florets during the last two minutes of cooking to blanch them until tender-crisp. Drain both pasta and broccoli, then set aside.
- Sauté turkey sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter, then add the turkey sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage 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 turkey sausage. Continue to sauté for two to three minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, releasing aromatic flavors.
- Make cheese sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk cornstarch into the whole milk until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly. Allow it to simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens into a creamy consistency.
- Add cheese: Lower the heat, then stir in the shredded mild cheddar cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese melts completely into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
- Combine and season: Add the cooked penne pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy turkey broccoli skillet.
Notes
- For a lower fat option, substitute whole milk with 2% or skim milk, noting the sauce may be less creamy.
- You can use pre-cooked turkey sausage or substitute with Italian sausage or chicken sausage.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free penne pasta.
- Shredded cheese can be substituted with sharp cheddar or a cheese blend according to personal preference.
- Adding red pepper flakes during sautéing can add a bit of heat to the dish.
Keywords: creamy turkey skillet, turkey sausage recipe, broccoli pasta skillet, cheesy turkey pasta, one-pan dinner
