Description
A comforting and creamy turkey broccoli skillet pasta that combines tender penne, fresh broccoli, and savory turkey sausage in a rich cheddar cheese sauce. This one-pan meal is perfect for a quick and hearty dinner.
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
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (estimated for thickening)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Boil the penne pasta according to package directions. Add the 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. Melt the butter, then add the turkey sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about five minutes or until the sausage is lightly browned.
- Cook Onion and Garlic: Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for two to three minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the whole milk until smooth to prevent lumps. Pour this mixture into the skillet and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Add Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked penne pasta and broccoli back into the skillet. Gently toss everything together to coat the pasta and broccoli evenly with the cheese sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch.
- You can substitute turkey sausage with chicken sausage or plant-based sausage if preferred.
- Adjust the cheese quantity to taste or use a sharper cheddar for more intense flavor.
- Ensure the milk and cornstarch mixture is well whisked to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Use whole milk for a creamier sauce; low-fat milk can be used but may not be as rich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: turkey sausage skillet, broccoli pasta, creamy pasta, one-pan dinner, cheddar cheese sauce, quick dinner
