Creamy Turkey Broccoli Penne Skillet Recipe
Introduction
This creamy turkey broccoli skillet is a comforting one-pan meal that comes together quickly. Packed with tender turkey sausage, fresh broccoli, and a cheesy sauce, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
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 penne pasta according to package instructions, adding broccoli florets during the last two minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté turkey sausage until lightly browned, about five minutes.
- Step 3: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook for an additional two to three minutes until softened.
- Step 4: Whisk cornstarch into whole milk, then pour the mixture into the skillet. Simmer while stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Step 5: Reduce heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely.
- Step 6: Combine the cooked pasta and broccoli with the cheese sauce, tossing gently to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper before serving hot.
Tips & Variations
- Use turkey Italian sausage for a spicier kick or substitute with chicken sausage if preferred.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Swap mild cheddar for sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses for a richer flavor.
- Include other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for variety.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, any short pasta like fusilli, rigatoni, or rotini works well in this dish.
Is it necessary to use whole milk?
Whole milk gives the sauce its creamy texture, but you can use 2% milk for a lighter option. Avoid skim milk as it may not thicken properly.
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Creamy Turkey Broccoli Penne Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy turkey broccoli skillet combines tender penne pasta, fresh broccoli florets, and savory turkey sausage in a rich and cheesy sauce. With a quick stovetop preparation, it’s a comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights, delivering balanced flavors and wholesome ingredients in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 13.9 ounces turkey sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
Dairy & Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
Instructions
- 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 to soften them. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
- Sauté Turkey Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the turkey sausage, breaking it up as it cooks, and sauté until it is lightly browned, about five minutes.
- Cook Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the turkey sausage. Cook together for an additional two to three minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the whole milk until fully dissolved. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the sausage and vegetables. Simmer gently while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded mild cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Season: Add the cooked pasta and broccoli into the skillet with the cheesy sauce. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- To make this dish lower in fat, substitute whole milk with 2% or skim milk and use reduced-fat cheese.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the sausage and onions.
- You can swap the penne pasta with other short pasta shapes such as rotini or rigatoni.
- Use turkey sausage with your preferred seasoning level, such as spicy Italian or mild breakfast style.
- Leftover skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: creamy turkey skillet, turkey sausage pasta, broccoli cheddar skillet, one pan dinner, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy pasta skillet
