Cheesy Broccoli Sausage Skillet Pasta
A hearty, cheesy, meaty one-pan wonder
Introduction: A Skillet Full of Comfort
Imagine walking into a kitchen filled with the savory scent of smoked sausage, cheddar cheese, and warm pasta. That’s what this recipe delivers: comfort, convenience, and a whole lot of flavor in under 30 minutes. This dish blends three classic elements — smoky meat, creamy cheese sauce, and tender pasta — with the wholesome touch of green broccoli. It’s the kind of weeknight hero that becomes a family favorite, a college student’s go-to meal, and a food-lover’s cheat-day indulgence.
History of the Ingredients: From Smokehouses to Skillets
•Beef Smoked Sausage: Hillshire Farm has been producing smoked sausages since the 1930s, bringing the old-world tradition of slow-smoking meats into modern kitchens. Smoked sausage was historically a preservation method, but today it’s all about flavor.
•Knorr Pasta Sides: A modern pantry staple, Knorr pasta sides like Cheddar Broccoli have revolutionized the concept of quick dinners. The fusion of pasta with cheese and veggies in one pouch makes it both convenient and versatile.
•Broccoli: Once cultivated by the Romans and now considered a superfood, broccoli brings balance to this dish — visually, nutritionally, and texturally.
Together, these ingredients create a cross-generational comfort meal rooted in heritage and convenience.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
•1 pack Knorr Pasta Sides – Cheddar Broccoli
•1 pack (13 oz) Hillshire Farm Beef Smoked Sausage, sliced into coins
•2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
•2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
•2 ½ cups water (or as per package instructions)
•½ cup milk
•Optional:
•½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for extra cheesiness)
•1 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder
•Crushed red pepper flakes for heat
•Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions & Methods
1. Prep Your Ingredients
•Slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized coins.
•Chop fresh broccoli into florets or measure out frozen broccoli.
2. Sauté the Sausage
•In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, add butter or oil.
•Add the sliced sausage and sauté until browned, about 4-5 minutes. This step brings out the smoky, caramelized flavors of the sausage.
3. Add Water and Milk
•Pour in the 2½ cups water and ½ cup milk. Stir to combine.
4. Add the Knorr Pasta
•Stir in the contents of the Knorr Cheddar Broccoli Pasta Side.
•Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer.
5. Add Broccoli
•About 5 minutes into the simmering process, add the broccoli. If using frozen, no need to thaw — just stir it in.
•Continue cooking according to Knorr’s package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes total, until pasta is tender and sauce is thickened.
6. Optional Cheese Boost
•For extra cheesy goodness, stir in additional shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
7. Finish & Serve
•Taste and season with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
•Serve hot, right from the skillet.
Formation Techniques: Turning It Into a Masterpiece
•Meal Prep Magic: Portion it into containers for 3-4 meals during the week.
•Bake & Crisp: Pour into a casserole dish, top with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, then bake for a crunchy top.
•Stuff It: Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with this mixture — then bake!
•Wrap It: Roll in a tortilla or flatbread for a cheesy sausage wrap.
Benefits of This Recipe
•Quick & Easy: Done in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
•Budget-Friendly: All ingredients are affordable and easy to find.
•Kid-Friendly: Cheesy, creamy, and filled with familiar flavors.
•Protein-Rich: Sausage delivers high protein, while broccoli adds fiber and vitamins.
•Customizable: Add hot sauce, mushrooms, extra cheese, or swap in turkey sausage.
•One-Pan Meal: Fewer dishes = happier you.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~450–550
Total Fat ~25g
Saturated Fat ~10g
Cholesterol ~50mg
Sodium ~900mg
Total Carbs ~35g
Sugars ~3g
Fiber ~3g
Protein ~20–25g
Vitamin C ~60% DV
Calcium ~20% DV
Iron ~10% DV
Note: Nutrition may vary based on added cheese or portion sizes.
Conclusion: The Comfort King of Weeknight Dinners
This Broccoli Cheddar Sausage Pasta isn’t just a quick meal — it’s an experience of bold flavors, velvety textures, and total satisfaction. It bridges the gap between homemade taste and store-bought ease. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family, roommates, or just yourself, this dish brings the feeling of a home-cooked meal with hardly any effort.
Lovers of This Recipe: The Fanbase
•Busy Parents: They love it for its speed and minimal cleanup.
•College Students: It’s affordable, filling, and requires only a single burner.
•Meal Preppers: Perfect for batch cooking and reheats beautifully.
•Picky Eaters: The cheese and sausage combo wins everyone over.
•Late-Night Snackers: Quick, warm, and satisfying after a long day.
Final Words to the Lovers of Cheesy Skillet Goodness
This dish is more than a recipe — it’s a warm hug in a pan. It’s the kind of food that reminds you why simple can be delicious, and comfort doesn’t need to be complicated. For every cheese-lover, sausage fanatic, and pasta enthusiast — may your skillet always be full and your cravings forever satisfied.
Would you like a printable recipe card or ideas to turn this into a vegetarian or keto-friendly dish? I got you!
