Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet is more than just a weeknight meal—it’s the kind of rich, quick comfort food you’ll keep coming back to. This one-pan dinner is smoky, creamy, and full of texture from crisp-tender broccoli and sizzling kielbasa. If you’re craving something hearty with little fuss, this skillet hits the sweet spot. In this article, I’ll share how it came to life, how to make it at home, and why it’s earned permanent status in my family’s dinner lineup.
Table of Contents
Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet – 1 Irresistible One-Pan Dinner You’ll Make Again
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet is a rich, quick one-pan dinner made with smoky sausage, tender broccoli, and a creamy sauce. A family-favorite comfort dish ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
14 oz kielbasa, sliced into rounds
4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
6 oz cream cheese
1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: shredded cheddar or mozzarella
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sliced kielbasa and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute.
4. Add broccoli and sauté 3–5 minutes until just tender.
5. Lower heat, add cream cheese and milk, stir until melted and creamy.
6. Season with salt and pepper, stir in optional cheese, and serve.
Notes
Use fresh broccoli for best texture.
For gluten-free, ensure kielbasa is labeled GF.
Serve over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a full meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
A Smoky, Creamy Dinner Straight From My Weeknight Routine
How This Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet Was Born
I first made this creamy kielbasa broccoli skillet on a gray, cold Tuesday evening in Asheville. I was tired, didn’t want takeout, and had just a few things left in the fridge: half a smoked kielbasa, a bag of broccoli florets, and a half-used brick of cream cheese. In my world, those are more than leftovers—they’re a dinner waiting to happen.
So, I grabbed my favorite skillet, browned the kielbasa, tossed in the broccoli, added garlic, and stirred in cream cheese until everything melted into a silky sauce. That first bite reminded me of my childhood back in Vermont, where creamy sausage dishes were a winter staple.
And just like that, this creamy kielbasa broccoli skillet became part of our meal rotation.
Why I Make Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet Weekly
This creamy kielbasa broccoli skillet checks every box. It’s fast—on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s rich without being heavy. And it only uses one pan. Even the kids love it (yes, even with the broccoli). You can pair it with rice, pasta, or just enjoy it as-is.
I’ve made it dozens of ways—adding cauliflower, stirring in a spoon of Dijon, or topping it with shredded cheese. But the original? Always a winner.
For another creamy weeknight favorite with easy cleanup, my Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole offers that same balance of comfort and simplicity.
How to Make Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet Step-by-Step
Ingredients You’ll Need
To serve 4 hungry people, gather the following:
- 14 oz kielbasa, sliced into rounds
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 6 oz cream cheese, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Add a handful of shredded cheddar for extra richness.
Tip: If you’re working with frozen broccoli, thaw and drain it well first so it doesn’t water down your sauce.
Instructions
1. Brown the Kielbasa
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and slightly crispy on the edges. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
2. Add Garlic
Toss in the minced garlic. Stir for about a minute, just until fragrant.
3. Add Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets right into the skillet. If using fresh, cook for about 3–5 minutes until bright green and just tender. Stir often.
4. Make It Creamy
Reduce heat to low. Add the cream cheese cubes and pour in the milk. Stir slowly as the cream cheese melts, creating a smooth, creamy sauce. This should take about 3–4 minutes.
5. Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, stir in shredded cheese until melted. Serve hot, over rice, pasta, or on its own.
I’ve paired this skillet with a fresh, protein-packed side like my Protein Pasta Salad to round it out into a complete dinner—and let me tell you, it’s a match made in weeknight heaven.
Easy Variations and Flavorful Twists
Customize Your Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet
What makes this creamy kielbasa broccoli skillet a must-keep recipe is its flexibility. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or following a dietary plan, this skillet adjusts without losing its creamy, smoky flavor.
If you’re going low-carb, skip the rice or pasta and serve this creamy kielbasa broccoli skillet over cauliflower rice or a pile of sautéed spinach. Need it to be gluten-free? Just double-check your kielbasa label—many brands are already gluten-free, but it’s smart to confirm.
Not everyone loves broccoli? That’s fine. You can replace it with chopped cauliflower, sliced zucchini, spinach, or green beans. I’ve even used frozen veggie blends in this creamy skillet and it still delivers every time.
The beauty of this creamy kielbasa broccoli skillet is that it welcomes changes. For another recipe that adapts well and brings serious comfort, my go-to is the Chicken Enchilada Casserole with White Sauce. Like this skillet, it’s all about flavor with minimal effort.
Boost the Flavor with Add-Ins
Once you’ve made this creamy kielbasa broccoli skillet once, you’ll want to experiment. Stir in a spoonful of Dijon mustard to add some zip. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat. Top with mozzarella or cheddar, then cover the pan for a few minutes to melt it into gooey perfection.
Looking to stretch it further? Add some cooked pasta or roasted potatoes right into the skillet. Or toss in a handful of baby kale to work in more greens.
This creamy skillet doesn’t just tolerate extras—it loves them.
How to Store, Reheat, and Meal Prep Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet
Save It for Later Without Losing Texture
One of the underrated things about this creamy kielbasa broccoli skillet is how well it holds up as leftovers. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess—especially if the sauce thickened in the fridge.
Skip the microwave if you can and reheat it in a skillet over low heat. That keeps the broccoli from getting too soft and prevents the cream cheese sauce from separating.
Freezing isn’t ideal for this dish, since the dairy can break down, but it can work in a pinch. Let it cool completely, freeze flat in freezer bags, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Use It for Meal Prep or Next-Day Lunches
This creamy kielbasa broccoli skillet isn’t just a dinner recipe—it’s an awesome meal prep option too. Pack it into containers with cooked rice, pasta, or roasted potatoes and you’ve got lunch sorted for days.
Sometimes I’ll double the batch, then portion it into four or five containers for quick grab-and-go meals. It’s cheaper, faster, and tastier than most takeout.
For another meal-prep-friendly comfort dish, try my Chicken Shawarma Sheet Pan Dinner. It roasts up in one pan and makes flavorful leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet
What type of broccoli should I use—fresh or frozen?
Fresh broccoli works best for this creamy kielbasa broccoli skillet because it keeps its texture and slight crunch when sautéed. But if frozen is what you’ve got, go for it. Just thaw and drain it first so the sauce doesn’t get watery.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. The creamy kielbasa broccoli skillet is naturally gluten-free as long as your kielbasa is labeled gluten-free. Some brands include fillers, so always check the package. The other ingredients—broccoli, cream cheese, and milk—are all naturally safe.
What can I use instead of broccoli if my kids don’t like it?
Plenty of veggies can take broccoli’s place. Try cauliflower, green beans, spinach, or zucchini. Even a frozen vegetable medley works. This creamy kielbasa broccoli skillet is forgiving—use what your family likes and adjust the cook time slightly based on the swap.
If your kids prefer something a little cheesier and less green, my Potato Chicken Ranch Casserole is a great alternative they’ll definitely devour.
How do I thicken the sauce without using flour?
You don’t need flour at all. The cream cheese alone thickens the sauce beautifully. If you want it even richer, you can stir in some shredded cheese or a splash of heavy cream. Just keep the heat low and let the sauce simmer gently until smooth.
Conclusion About Creamy Kielbasa Broccoli Skillet
The creamy kielbasa broccoli skillet is more than just a fast dinner—it’s a reliable, family-approved recipe that always satisfies. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen ingredients, keeping it classic or customizing it with add-ins, this skillet delivers smoky, creamy comfort in one pan with minimal effort.
It’s the kind of dish you’ll keep in your back pocket for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or whenever you need something warm and filling without the stress. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s on constant repeat in my kitchen—and probably soon in yours, too.
For another rich and creamy dinner that won’t take hours, don’t miss my Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne. It’s the pasta version of cozy comfort.
