If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that brings together creamy textures, savory flavors, and a hint of spice, look no further than this incredible One-Pan Creamy Pierogi with Turkey Sausage Recipe. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner solution where frozen pierogi, juicy turkey sausage, and a luscious cheese sauce all come together in one skillet to create a meal that feels like a warm hug. You’ll love how everything cooks in a single pan, saving you time but not skimping on flavor or satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity, with every ingredient playing a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the rich turkey sausage that adds heartiness to the creamy cheddar sauce that envelops tender pierogi, this lineup is straightforward but essential for the perfect balance.
- Olive oil: Provides a flavorful base for sautéing and helps develop golden browning on the sausage.
- Turkey sausage (14 ounces, sliced): Adds lean protein and a mild spice that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Small onion (chopped): Brings sweetness and depth to the dish once sautéed.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuses an aromatic punch that wakes up every other ingredient.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Creates the simmering base that cooks the pierogi, adding moisture and subtle savory notes.
- Frozen pierogi (16 ounces): The star of the dish, tender and doughy pockets filled with potatoes or cheese that soak up the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Adds richness and silkiness, turning the broth into a luscious sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into the cream, delivering sharp, gooey cheesiness throughout.
- Salt and pepper: To season and brighten all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Adds a fresh, herbal contrast and vibrant color for garnish.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Pierogi with Turkey Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Turkey Sausage
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced turkey sausage and cook until each side is beautifully browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step unlocks rich, caramelized flavors that build the foundation of your dish. Once done, set the sausage aside to make room for the veggies.
Step 2: Sauté Onion Until Translucent
Using the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and sauté it for 3 to 4 minutes. The onion will soften and become translucent, releasing a gentle sweetness that enhances every bite of the final dish.
Step 3: Add Garlic for Aromatic Goodness
Next, add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. This brief cooking time is just enough to bring out garlic’s fragrant essence without it turning bitter or overpowering.
Step 4: Simmer with Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. This liquid will serve to cook the pierogi while absorbing all the flavors from the sausage and aromatics, creating a delectable base that’s bursting with savory notes.
Step 5: Cook Pierogi in the Simmering Broth
Add the frozen pierogi directly into the skillet and gently stir to coat them in the broth. Cover the pan and let everything cook for 8 to 10 minutes. During this time, the pierogi soften and soak up the flavorful broth, giving them a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 6: Stir in Cream and Cheese for the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and add the heavy cream along with shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese has completely melted into the cream, transforming it into a velvety, cheesy sauce that clings beautifully to every pierogi.
Step 7: Return Sausage and Season
Bring the browned turkey sausage back into the pan and stir to combine with the creamy mixture. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, balancing the dish perfectly for a well-rounded flavor experience.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish. This simple addition brings a pop of color and a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness, making every forkful even more enjoyable.
How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Pierogi with Turkey Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is an ideal garnish here, but you can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkling of crispy fried onions for extra texture and tang. These little touches elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough on its own, but if you want to round things out, a simple green salad with a zingy vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables adds balance and freshness without competing with the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve portions in shallow bowls to catch all that creamy sauce or on rustic wooden boards for a cozy, family-style vibe. Adding a crusty bread alongside lets you soak up every last bit of cheesy goodness—no sauce left behind is the goal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making your leftovers taste even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save these for later, freeze the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the texture of the pierogi and sauce.
Reheating
Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and prevent sticking. You can also reheat in the microwave, but do it in short bursts and stir between to avoid overheating or drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While turkey sausage keeps it light and lean, feel free to swap in your favorite variety like Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage. Just adjust the cooking time if needed.
Do I have to thaw the pierogi before cooking?
Nope! This recipe uses frozen pierogi straight from the package, which cook perfectly in the simmering broth, saving you time and extra steps.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can replace the heavy cream with a coconut cream or cashew cream substitute and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The sauce will still be deliciously creamy and flavorful.
Can I use homemade pierogi instead of frozen?
Definitely! Fresh homemade pierogi would be fantastic here. Just be mindful that cooking times might be shorter, so keep an eye on them as they cook in the broth.
What kind of cheese works best in this recipe?
Cheddar cheese is a classic choice here for its bold flavor and excellent melting quality, but you could experiment with mozzarella, gouda, or a blend for a different twist on the creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Creamy Pierogi with Turkey Sausage Recipe is a fantastic way to bring comfort food to your table without complicated steps or a million dishes to wash afterward. It’s cozy, flavorful, and adaptable enough to become a household favorite you’ll reach for again and again. Trust me, once you try it, this dish will feel like the ultimate comfort meal that’s as easy as it is delicious.
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One-Pan Creamy Pierogi with Turkey Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and delicious one-pan meal featuring creamy pierogi paired with savory turkey sausage, cooked in a rich cheddar cheese sauce. This easy skillet recipe combines tender pierogi, browned turkey sausage, sautéed onions and garlic, all simmered in chicken broth and finished with heavy cream for a creamy, flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 14 ounces turkey sausage, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 pack (16 ounces) frozen pierogi
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey sausage slices and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on both sides. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Simmer Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Cook Pierogi: Add the frozen pierogi to the skillet and stir gently to coat them in the broth. Cover the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, until the pierogi are heated through and tender.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Sausage and Season: Return the browned turkey sausage to the skillet and stir to combine evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving for a fresh flavor and colorful presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute the turkey sausage with your preferred sausage or protein.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or reduce the cheese amount.
- Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes can lend a bit of extra warmth and depth.
- Ensure the pierogi are cooked through; adjust simmering time if using larger or different types of pierogi.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
