Dinner

Creamy Turkey and Broccoli Penne Skillet Recipe

ByGabriel Langdon February 9, 2026February 9, 2026

Introduction

This creamy turkey broccoli skillet is a comforting one-pan meal that combines tender pasta, savory turkey sausage, and fresh broccoli in a rich cheddar cheese sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

The dish shows a black pan filled with creamy macaroni and cheese mixed with bright green broccoli florets and round slices of cooked sausage. The pasta is covered in a smooth, golden cheese sauce that looks soft and gooey, with small black pepper pieces sprinkled on top. The broccoli pieces are fresh and vibrant, adding a pop of green color amid the rich yellow cheese and browned sausage slices. The sausages are evenly spread across the dish, with a slightly crispy-looking texture. 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. Add the turkey sausage and sauté until lightly browned, about five minutes.
Step 3: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional two to three minutes until the onion is softened.
Step 4: Whisk cornstarch into the whole milk until smooth, then pour the mixture into the skillet. Simmer while stirring frequently until the sauce thickens, about three to five minutes.
Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.
Step 6: Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything evenly with the cheese sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.

Tips & Variations

Substitute turkey sausage with chicken sausage or plant-based sausage for a different protein option.
For extra flavor, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or smoked paprika when sautéing the sausage.
Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth when simmering the sauce for additional depth.
Use sharp cheddar cheese for a bolder flavor or mix in some mozzarella for extra gooeyness.

Storage

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

How to Serve

The image shows a cooked dish in a white pan filled with creamy, melted yellow cheese sauce mixed with rigatoni pasta. On top, there are slices of browned sausage that are reddish-brown with a slightly crispy edge. Bright green broccoli florets are spread evenly over the dish, adding a fresh and soft texture contrast to the cheese and sausage. The cheese sauce looks smooth and thick, covering the pasta well, with some bubbles and slight browning on the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Add it during the last few minutes of pasta cooking just like fresh broccoli, but adjust cooking time slightly if needed to ensure it’s tender.

Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the whole milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Keep in mind the sauce texture may vary slightly.