Ever have one of those nights where you’re staring into the pantry, wondering what on earth you can throw together that’s fast, filling, and the whole family will actually eat? This Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Broccoli Pasta Skillet is your answer. It’s a complete, hearty meal that comes together in a single pan, blending savory smoked sausage, tender pasta, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, dreamy cheese sauce. It’s the kind of no-fuss dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day—comfort food at its most practical.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to love this recipe because it checks every single box for a busy weeknight. It’s lightning fast, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish. There’s minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one trusty skillet. It’s incredibly flexible, letting you swap in whatever veggies or pasta shapes you have hiding in the fridge. And honestly? The cheesy, smoky flavor is just so, so good. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone asking for seconds without realizing they’re eating their greens.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing and building flavor.
- 1 (12-14 oz) package smoked turkey sausage, sliced: Adds that signature smoky, savory heartiness.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Provides a sweet, aromatic base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: For a punch of essential flavor.
- 3 cups chicken broth: The cooking liquid for our pasta, adding depth.
- 1 cup whole milk: Creates the base for our luscious, creamy sauce.
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or other small pasta: The satisfying, comforting carb element.
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets: For a pop of color, texture, and nutrition.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce for classic cheesy goodness.
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Adds a superb creamy, melty quality.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: To season and balance all the flavors.
Step by Step Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, until it’s nicely browned. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute, until it’s fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and milk, then give it a good stir. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil.
- Stir in the dry pasta. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 8 minutes. You want the pasta to be just shy of al dente—it will finish cooking later.
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet, place the lid back on, and cook for another 4-5 minutes. The broccoli should be bright green and tender-crisp, and the pasta should be fully cooked.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the browned sausage and both shredded cheeses. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and everything is coated in a wonderfully creamy sauce. Season generously with salt and black pepper to your liking. Serve immediately!
Easy Weeknight Dinner Ideas
If this skillet meal has you hooked on the idea of simple, one-pan wonders, you’re in good company. My go-to strategy for beating the dinnertime scramble is to have a roster of these quick recipes. Think along the lines of a simple taco skillet with ground turkey, a breezy lemon herb chicken and rice dish, or even a breakfast-for-dinner hash. The key is building meals around a protein, a starch, and a veggie that can all cozy up together in a single pan. It cuts your active cooking time and your dishwashing duty in half. Now that’s a win-win.
Flavor Twists and Variations
Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own! If you’re looking to lighten it up, use a low-fat cheese blend and whole wheat pasta. For a little kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic. Not a broccoli fan? Swap it out for diced zucchini, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach stirred in at the very end. You can also use different cheeses—pepper jack is fantastic for some spice, or a sprinkle of parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish. And if you have an Italian-style chicken sausage on hand, that works beautifully, too.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
This skillet is a complete meal all on its own, but I love serving it with a simple side salad of mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A slice of crusty garlic bread is never a bad idea for soaking up any extra cheesy sauce. For a real Texas-style treat, my family often enjoys it with a side of crisp, cool cucumber salad. And if you’re feeding a bigger crowd? Just double the ingredients—your trusty Dutch oven will handle it like a champ.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, the stovetop is your best friend for reviving that creamy texture. Just place the desired amount in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a small splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce as it warms through. Stir it frequently until it’s hot. You can also reheat it in the microwave in a covered, microwave-safe dish, stopping to stir every 30 seconds. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the dairy-based sauce can become grainy when thawed.
Budget-Friendly Tips for Families
Feeding a family on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. This recipe is already a great start! To save even more, look for the store-brand smoked turkey sausage—it’s often just as good as the name brands. Buy block cheese and shred it yourself; it’s cheaper and melts much better than the pre-shredded stuff. And keep an eye on the weekly flyers for sales on broccoli or pasta. Stretching a meal like this Cheesy Smoked Sausage & Broccoli Pasta Skillet means you get a delicious, hearty dinner on the table without stretching your grocery budget.
FAQs About This Recipe
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth and smoked sausage are certified gluten-free. The cooking method remains exactly the same.
- What other vegetables can I use? This skillet is so versatile. Try chopped asparagus, peas, or diced bell peppers. Just adjust the cooking time based on how long your chosen veggie takes to become tender.
- My sauce seems a little thin. How can I thicken it?If your sauce is too runny, let the skillet sit over low heat uncovered for a few extra minutes—the pasta will continue to absorb the liquid. You can also mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it in, letting it simmer for a minute to thicken up.
- Is this a good recipe for meal prep? It sure is! It reheats beautifully for lunch throughout the week. Just store individual portions in containers for an easy grab-and-go healthy dinner idea.