Dinner

Creamy Turkey Broccoli Skillet Recipe

ByAndria Russo February 9, 2026February 9, 2026

Introduction

This creamy turkey broccoli skillet is a comforting one-pan meal that’s both hearty and wholesome. Combining tender penne pasta, savory turkey sausage, and fresh broccoli in a rich cheddar sauce, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that everyone will love.

The image shows a close-up of a creamy dish in a black pan with three main layers. The base layer is made of rigatoni pasta covered in melted, smooth, bright orange cheese sauce. On top, there are evenly spread slices of browned sausage, each round piece showing a slightly crisp brown edge. Fresh green broccoli florets are scattered throughout, adding vibrant color and texture. The dish has a rich, warm look, with small black pepper flakes sprinkled over it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 the penne pasta according to package instructions, adding the broccoli florets during the last two minutes of cooking. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the turkey sausage until it is lightly browned, about five minutes.
Step 3: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional two to three minutes until the onion softens.
Step 4: Whisk cornstarch into the whole milk until smooth, then pour the mixture into the skillet. Simmer while stirring until the sauce thickens, about three to five minutes.
Step 5: Reduce the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely.
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

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or low-fat milk instead of whole milk, but the sauce may be less creamy.
Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if you like a spicier dish.
Swap turkey sausage for chicken sausage or another favorite sausage for a different flavor profile.
Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for extra gooeyness.
Steam the broccoli separately if you prefer it more tender before adding to the pasta.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

How to Serve

This dish shows a close-up of baked macaroni and cheese mixed with sliced sausages and broccoli pieces. The macaroni is creamy and yellow-orange with melted smooth cheese covering each tube. On top, there are round sausage slices with a reddish-brown color, placed evenly among bright green broccoli florets. A sprinkle of black pepper lightly dots the cheese surface. The food is in a black pan, set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta shapes like rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli. Just adjust cooking time if needed based on the pasta type.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much while reheating, stir in a little more milk until you reach the desired consistency. Keep the heat low to avoid curdling the cheese.

Andria Russo