Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet: Easy One Pan Dinner

This Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet Recipe creates a hearty, one-pan dish with smoky kielbasa, tender broccoli, and a rich creamy sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, cozy family meals, or easy comfort food, this dish is packed with savory flavors and comes together in just 30 minutes. I made this on a busy evening, and everyone loved the creamy, smoky combination! This stovetop recipe brings bold, satisfying flavors to your table with minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet Recipe

This skillet dish is simple to make with just one pan for easy cleanup. The creamy sauce and smoky kielbasa pair perfectly with fresh broccoli. It’s versatile, letting you swap veggies or adjust the creaminess. I love how it’s a fast, hearty meal that feels comforting but takes little effort. Find more quick dinner recipes at Fast Zest Recipes.

Health Benefits of Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet

Broccoli provides fiber and vitamin C for digestive and immune health. Kielbasa offers protein for muscle support. Garlic supplies antioxidants for immunity. Enjoying this dish in moderation fits a balanced diet. Learn more about one-pan meals at Epicurious.

Ingredients for Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet

For the Skillet:

• 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 medium head)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for heat)

For Garnish (Optional):

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Substitutions: Use smoked turkey sausage instead of kielbasa for a leaner option. Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce. Replace broccoli with cauliflower or green beans for variety. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly sauce (if paired with plant-based sausage).

Notes: Slice kielbasa evenly for uniform cooking. Cut broccoli into small florets for faster cooking. Stir sauce gently to keep it smooth.

How to Make Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet

Cook Kielbasa

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add kielbasa slices and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Remove and set aside. This creates a smoky, crispy base.

Sauté Vegetables

In the same skillet, add onion and garlic; cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add broccoli florets and chicken broth, cover, and steam for 3-4 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp. This prepares the vegetables.

Make Creamy Sauce

Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring gently. This forms a rich, creamy sauce.

Combine Ingredients

Return kielbasa to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. This blends all the flavors.

Serve

Garnish with parsley, chives, and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. This adds a fresh, vibrant touch.

Preparation Tips

• Slice kielbasa evenly: Cut sausage into 1/4-inch rounds for uniform browning. This ensures consistent texture. I sliced mine evenly, and it was perfect.
• Cook broccoli tender-crisp: Steam until just tender to avoid mushiness. This keeps the broccoli vibrant. I steamed mine briefly, and it was great.
• Stir sauce gently: Mix cream and Parmesan on medium heat to prevent curdling. This keeps the sauce smooth. I stirred mine carefully, and it was ideal.
• Use a large skillet: Choose a 12-inch skillet to fit all ingredients comfortably. This prevents overcrowding. I used a large skillet, and it was spot-on.
• Brown kielbasa well: Cook until golden for maximum flavor. This adds smokiness. I browned mine well, and it was perfect.
• Taste and adjust: Season the sauce before adding kielbasa to balance flavors. This avoids blandness. I tasted mine, and it was great.
• Serve hot: Plate immediately for the best warmth and creaminess. This maximizes enjoyment. I served mine hot, and it was delicious.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use turkey sausage: Swap kielbasa for smoked turkey sausage for a leaner protein. This keeps it flavorful. I tried turkey, and it was tasty.
• Add mushrooms: Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms with the onion for earthy flavor. This adds depth. I tried mushrooms, and it was great.
• Make it vegetarian: Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth. This suits vegetarian diets. I tried plant-based, and it was delicious.
• Use half-and-half: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce. This reduces richness. I tried half-and-half, and it was fine.
• Add heat: Increase chili flakes to 1/2 tsp for a spicier dish. This adds intensity. I tried spicy, and it was exciting.
• Use cauliflower: Replace broccoli with cauliflower for a different vegetable. This changes texture. I tried cauliflower, and it was vibrant.
• Add cheese: Stir in 1/4 cup shredded cheddar for extra creaminess. This enhances the sauce. I tried cheddar, and it was great.

Storage and Meal Prep

Store the skillet dish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce. Freeze without sauce for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge, then reheat with fresh sauce. Prep kielbasa and chop vegetables a day ahead; store separately in the fridge. Make the sauce fresh for the best texture and flavor. Add garnishes just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet Recipe

Here are answers to common questions about this dish.

1. Why is my sauce too thin?
   Simmer longer to thicken, stirring gently. I adjusted mine, and it was perfect.
2. Can I make it ahead?
   Prep kielbasa and vegetables a day ahead; make sauce fresh. I prepped early, and it was great.
3. Why is my broccoli mushy?
   Steam briefly until tender-crisp, not soft. I steamed mine lightly, and it was perfect.
4. Can I use turkey sausage?
   Yes, cook fully and adjust seasoning. I used kielbasa, and it was tasty.
5. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth. I tried plant-based, and it was delicious.
6. Why is my dish greasy?
   Drain kielbasa fat before adding vegetables. I drained mine, and it was perfect.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with jasmine rice to soak up the sauce. Pair with mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. Enjoy with crusty bread for dipping. I served mine with rice, and it was a perfect match. This dish is great for quick weeknight dinners, cozy nights, or family meals.

Nutrition Info for Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet

Per serving (1/4 skillet, 4 servings):

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 4g
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
  Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet Recipe is a quick and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Its creamy sauce and smoky kielbasa make it a go-to favorite. How do you like to customize your skillet dishes? Let us know in the comments!