Cheesy Broccoli Sausage Pasta Skillet – One Pan, All the Flavor

Thank you so much for stopping by — I truly appreciate every visit to my little corner of the internet. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy one-pan meal that everyone will dig into, I’ve got just the thing for you today.

Right after the H1, here it is: this Cheesy Broccoli Sausage Pasta Skillet is pure comfort in a pan. We’re talking creamy noodles, melty cheddar, smoky sausage, and perfectly tender broccoli. And the best part? It all comes together in one skillet — no separate boiling, draining, or baking needed. Just real food, real fast.

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What is Cheesy Broccoli Sausage Pasta Skillet?

It’s exactly what it sounds like — a flavor-packed skillet meal starring kielbasa sausage, broccoli florets, egg noodles, and cheddar cheese, all cooked in a rich, garlicky cream broth. It’s hearty, cheesy, and deeply satisfying, with a hint of smokiness from the sausage and a creamy, saucy finish that coats every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Skillet Dinner

• One skillet = easy cleanup
• Ready in 30 minutes or less – seriously, it’s weeknight gold.
• Family-approved flavors – smoky sausage + cheddar cheese? Say less.
• Vegetable bonus! – broccoli is sneaked in, and no one complains.
• Great for leftovers – reheats like a dream for lunch the next day.

What It Tastes Like

Imagine a creamy mac and cheese… now add savory sausage, a touch of garlic, and tender bites of broccoli that balance all that richness. The noodles are soft but not soggy, and every bite has layers of smoky, cheesy flavor. It’s warm, hearty, and tastes like a meal someone made just for you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
• 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
• 2 cups beef broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 10 oz extra-wide egg noodles
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for sautéing

Tools You’ll Need

• Large deep skillet (with a lid!)
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cheese grater (if shredding fresh cheddar)

Ingredient Swaps & Add-Ons

• Sausage options: Swap kielbasa for smoked turkey sausage, chicken apple sausage, or andouille for heat.
• Vegetables: Sub in spinach, zucchini, or peas if you’re out of broccoli.
• Cheese: Try Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist.
• Cream substitute: Use half-and-half or whole milk in a pinch — just expect a slightly thinner sauce.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the broth.

How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Sausage Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the kielbasa slices until browned and caramelized, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli

Add a drizzle of olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the broccoli florets and sauté for 3–4 minutes until bright green and just tender. (It’ll finish cooking with the pasta!)

Step 3: Simmer with Noodles

Add the beef broth, heavy cream, egg noodles, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until noodles are tender.

Step 4: Stir in Sausage & Cheese

Return the sausage to the pan and stir in the shredded cheddar until melted and creamy. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Spoon generous portions into bowls, sprinkle with extra cheese or black pepper if you’d like, and serve hot. Comfort food perfection!

What to Serve with It

This skillet meal is pretty much complete on its own, but here are a few extras if you want to stretch it into a feast:

• Side salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic bread (because carbs on carbs is never wrong)
• Roasted veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or asparagus
• Sparkling water or light white wine to cut through the richness

Tips for the Best Skillet Pasta

• Don’t overcook the noodles – they’ll soak up liquid even after cooking, so slightly under is better than mushy.
• Use freshly shredded cheese – it melts better and gives you that creamy, gooey texture.
• Taste before serving – sometimes the sausage adds enough salt that you don’t need much extra.
• Lid matters – covering the skillet traps the steam, helping the noodles cook evenly.

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Microwave gently in 30-second intervals or warm on the stove with a splash of cream or broth.
• Freezing? It’s possible, but dairy-based sauces can separate. Reheat slowly and stir well.

Easy Variations to Make It Your Own

I promised you flexibility, and this recipe totally delivers! Once you’ve tried the classic version, here are some fun ways to tweak it based on your cravings, pantry, or dietary needs:

Make It Extra Creamy

Want a richer sauce? Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash more heavy cream at the end. It clings to every noodle and makes it extra indulgent.

Spice Things Up

Add chopped jalapeños, smoked paprika, or a pinch of cayenne for a bold twist. You could even stir in some hot sauce right before serving for a spicy-cheesy masterpiece.

Add a Crunchy Topping

If you’re feeling fancy, pop the skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and extra cheese on top. Golden, crispy, and so worth it.

Lighten It Up

Use chicken sausage and half-and-half instead of cream, or replace half the noodles with zucchini noodles. Still creamy, just a bit lighter.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Families

I hear you — weeknights are tough. Between after-school routines, long workdays, and the eternal question of “What’s for dinner?”, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

This skillet is here to save your sanity:

• Minimal dishes = less cleanup
• Done in 30 minutes or less
• No need to boil noodles separately
• Veggies are built right in
• It reheats like a dream, so leftovers become tomorrow’s lunch

And best of all? Everyone actually wants to eat it. No negotiations, no extra sides to satisfy picky eaters. Just cheesy, saucy happiness in every bite.

Kid-Approved + Meal Prep Friendly

This dish has that magical combo of being both comforting and efficient. Make it ahead, store it in individual containers, and you’ve got lunches or dinner ready to go.

Meal Prep Tips:

• Double the recipe and store half for another night
• Portion into containers for grab-and-go lunches
• Reheat with a splash of broth or milk to keep it creamy
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers (just avoid overcooking the noodles)

Serving Suggestions to Complete the Meal

Want to stretch the meal or round it out? Here are some easy additions:

• Simple arugula or Caesar salad
• Toasted baguette slices or garlic knots
• Sautéed mushrooms or roasted Brussels sprouts on the side
• Fruit salad for a fresh, sweet balance

Or just serve it solo — honestly, it doesn’t need a thing. It’s that good.

Leftovers = A Gift to Your Future Self

Honestly, this recipe might be even better the next day. The flavors deepen and the sauce thickens slightly, making for the most satisfying leftovers ever.

Try:

• Reheating and topping with a fried egg (brunch vibes!)
• Stirring in extra veggies like spinach or peas before warming
• Adding a bit of shredded mozzarella for a cheese-pull moment

Trust me: your future self will be grateful you made extra.

More Comfort Food You’ll Love

If this recipe hit the spot, I’ve got more cozy meals that bring all the comfort without the fuss:

• Creamy Chicken and Spinach Tortellini Skillet – So dreamy, and ready in under 30.
• Beefy Taco Pasta Bake – A cheesy, slightly spicy twist on taco night.
• One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo – Light but still totally satisfying.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx. 6 Servings)

• Calories: ~480
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: ~780mg

Note: Nutrition will vary based on sausage and cheese brands.

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty: Easy
• Best for: Weeknight dinners, family meals, meal prep

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use another type of noodle?

Yes! Penne, rotini, or fusilli all work well — just adjust cook time slightly.

Can I make this ahead?

Definitely. It reheats well, and the flavors deepen overnight.

Can I make it low-carb?

Swap noodles for cooked spaghetti squash or low-carb pasta, and use less cream.

What kind of cheddar is best?

Medium to sharp cheddar adds the best flavor punch. Mild works too but has a creamier, less tangy vibe.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Broccoli Sausage Pasta Skillet is everything I love in a weeknight meal — it’s fast, flavorful, and deeply comforting. But even more than that, it’s a memory-maker. It’s the kind of dish that gets requested again and again, the one you’ll scribble on a recipe card and pass on to a friend.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, yourself, or someone you love, I hope this recipe brings warmth and ease to your table. One pan. No stress. All the cheesy joy.