ULTIMATE KIELBASA BROCCOLI SKILLET

I can almost smell my grandma’s kitchen when I think about this recipe. She always had a way of throwing together simple ingredients and making them taste absolutely divine. I remember one particularly busy week, she whipped up a quick and comforting meal with kielbasa and broccoli that everyone devoured. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet you’ll ever make!

Why You’ll Absolutely LOVE This Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet

Okay, friend, let’s be real. We all have those nights where the thought of spending hours in the kitchen sounds like the *least* appealing thing in the world. This recipe is your knight in shining armor! It’s quick, easy, requires minimal cleanup, and, most importantly, it’s unbelievably delicious. Seriously, even picky eaters will be asking for seconds. I’m talking creamy, cheesy goodness, perfectly cooked kielbasa, and tender-crisp broccoli all in one pan. What’s not to love?

This Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet is more than just a meal; it’s comfort food at its finest. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for a chilly evening or a busy weeknight. And the best part? It’s totally customizable! You can swap out the cheese, add different veggies, or even spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes. I’ll show you all the variations later, but first, let’s get to the basics!

The Secret to the Best Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet? It’s All About the Ingredients!

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s talk ingredients. Using high-quality ingredients makes a HUGE difference in the final flavor of your Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Kielbasa: I prefer a smoked kielbasa for that extra layer of flavor, but any type will work. Just make sure it’s good quality!
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are the way to go! You can use frozen in a pinch, but fresh just tastes so much better.
• Onion and Garlic: These are the aromatic powerhouses that form the base of our flavor. Don’t skip them!
• Heavy Cream: This is what makes our skillet SO creamy and decadent.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• Cheese: A blend of cheddar and mozzarella is my go-to, but feel free to experiment!
• Spices: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) for a little kick.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the veggies and kielbasa.

See? Nothing too fancy or complicated. These are all ingredients you probably already have in your fridge or pantry. Let’s get cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Guide to Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet Perfection

Alright, my friend, grab your skillet and let’s get started! I promise, this is so easy, you’ll be making it every week.

1. Prep the Ingredients: Chop the kielbasa into bite-sized pieces, cut the broccoli into florets, and dice the onion. Mince the garlic. Having everything ready to go before you start cooking makes the process so much smoother.
2. Sauté the Kielbasa and Onion: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the kielbasa and onion and cook until the kielbasa is lightly browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. The kielbasa will release its delicious smoky aroma, filling your kitchen with a comforting scent.
3. Add the Garlic and Broccoli: Add the minced garlic and broccoli florets to the skillet. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender-crisp. You want the broccoli to still have a little bite to it, not be mushy.
4. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. If you want a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. The sauce should start to thicken slightly as it simmers.
5. Add the Cheese: Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. The cheese will create a beautiful, creamy, and cheesy sauce that coats the kielbasa and broccoli. This is where the magic happens!
6. Simmer and Serve: Let the skillet simmer for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened to your liking. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve immediately and enjoy!

That’s it! You’ve just created a masterpiece! See? I told you it was easy. Now, let’s talk about some tips and tricks to take your Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet to the next level.

Success Tips: Guaranteeing Skillet Perfection Every Time

These are my tried-and-true tips for making the BEST Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet. Follow these, and you’ll be a skillet superstar!

• Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Nobody likes mushy broccoli! Cook it until it’s tender-crisp, with a slight bite. It should still be bright green.
• Use Good Quality Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grate your own cheese for the best results.
• Adjust the Cream Sauce to Your Liking: If you want a thicker sauce, simmer it for a few more minutes. If you want a thinner sauce, add a splash more chicken broth.
• Spice it Up! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even some diced jalapeños for a little extra kick.
• Add a Squeeze of Lemon: Right before serving, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the flavors. It’s a game-changer!

Variations and Add-Ins: Customize Your Skillet!

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s so versatile! You can easily customize it to your liking by adding different veggies, cheeses, or spices. Here are a few of my favorite variations:

• Add Mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the kielbasa and onion for an earthy flavor.
• Swap the Cheese: Try using Gruyere, Swiss, or Pepper Jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Add Spinach or Kale: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for a boost of nutrients.
• Make it Spicy: Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Add Potatoes: For a heartier meal, add some diced potatoes to the skillet along with the kielbasa. Make sure to cook the potatoes until they are tender before adding the broccoli.

Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your perfect Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet! The possibilities are endless.

Serving Suggestions: Complete Your Meal!

This Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with a side dish. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Serve it over Rice or Pasta: Spoon the skillet over a bed of fluffy rice or your favorite pasta for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Serve it with a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the rich and creamy skillet.
• Serve it with Crusty Bread: Serve the skillet with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.
• Make it a Loaded Baked Potato Topping: Top a baked potato with the Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet for a decadent and filling meal.

Looking for Similar Recipes? Let me Share a Few!

If you love this Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other favorite kielbasa and sausage recipes. They’re all quick, easy, and packed with flavor!

For a crowd-pleasing appetizer, you absolutely HAVE to try my BBQ SAUSAGE BITES. They’re sweet, smoky, and totally addictive! And if you’re looking for a hearty and comforting casserole, my SAUSAGE POTATO CASSEROLE is a must-try. It’s cheesy, flavorful, and perfect for a cold winter night.

If you enjoy creamy broccoli, then you should test Broccoli Cheese Soup. It is a wonderful, creamy comfort food with a secret revealed!

Maybe Cheesy Ranch Potatoes & Smoked Sausage is something that you would like, the flavors are amazing, and it is an easy weeknight dinner

If you’re looking for something you can set and forget, my Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is perfect for a busy day. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and come home to a delicious and comforting meal!

And for a quick and easy one-pan meal, you’ll love my Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo. It’s packed with flavor and requires zero cleanup!

Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions: Meal Prep Like a Pro!

Want to get ahead of the game? This Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet can be made ahead of time or frozen for later. Here’s how:

• Make-Ahead: Prepare the skillet as directed, but don’t add the cheese. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, reheat the skillet over medium heat, then stir in the cheese until melted and smooth.
• Freezing: Let the skillet cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to thin out the sauce.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Weeknight Dinner!

So there you have it! My foolproof recipe for the most amazing Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet. I know you’re going to love it as much as I do. It’s quick, easy, customizable, and unbelievably delicious. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or any time you’re craving comfort food. So grab your skillet and get cooking! I can’t wait to hear what you think!

Happy cooking, my friend!

Ultimate Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet is a quick and easy one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender-crisp broccoli, savory kielbasa, and a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s a comforting and customizable dish that the whole family will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Stirring spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound kielbasa, sliced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of red pepper flakes optional
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

 

• Prep the Ingredients: Chop the kielbasa into bite-sized pieces, cut the broccoli into florets, and dice the onion. Mince the garlic.
• Sauté the Kielbasa and Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the kielbasa and onion and cook until the kielbasa is lightly browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the Garlic and Broccoli: Add the minced garlic and broccoli florets to the skillet. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
• Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. If you want a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. The sauce should start to thicken slightly as it simmers.
• Add the Cheese: Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
• Simmer and Serve: Let the skillet simmer for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened to your liking. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For a thicker sauce, simmer for a few extra minutes. To thin the sauce, add a splash of chicken broth. Don’t overcook the broccoli; it should be tender-crisp. Grate your own cheese for smoother melting. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The skillet can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving can brighten up the flavors.