This hearty, one pan dish combines smoky kielbasa sausage, tender broccoli florets, and penne pasta, all enveloped in a rich cheddar cheese sauce. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds

• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about ½ cup)

• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

• 1½ cups whole milk

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1½ cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. In the last 3–4 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli. Set aside.

2. Sauté Kielbasa and Onion: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

4. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole milk and cornstarch until the cornstarch is dissolved. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until it thickens, about 2–3 minutes.

5. Add Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

6. Combine Pasta and Broccoli: Add the cooked penne pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

7. Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 476 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 27 g

• Fat: 29 g

• Saturated Fat: 12 g

• Protein: 23 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 3 g

• Sodium: 1043 mg