Creamy Pierogi Skillet with Turkey Sausage Recipe

Introduction

The sizzle of turkey sausage hitting a hot skillet, the buttery aroma of pierogi crisping to perfection, and the creamy sauce bubbling away—just the thought of this dish makes my mouth water. The first time I made this Creamy Pierogi Skillet with Turkey Sausage, it was on a chilly weeknight when I needed a comforting meal that wouldn’t keep me in the kitchen for hours. I remember plating it up and watching my family devour it with happy sighs and requests for seconds. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’ve won the dinner jackpot!

This recipe is a combination of everything I love about comfort food: simple ingredients, rich flavors, and a hearty meal that brings everyone together. I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first about pairing pierogi with turkey sausage. But the moment I took that first bite—the creamy sauce coating the pillowy dumplings and smoky sausage—it was a game-changer. It’s like the culinary version of a warm hug.

Perfect for a cozy dinner night, busy weekdays, or even a casual gathering, this recipe has quickly become a staple in my home. And honestly, it’s so easy to make—I tested it over and over again just to make sure it was foolproof (and okay, because I love any excuse to eat pierogi). Trust me, you’re going to want to add this dish to your regular rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just under 30 minutes, it’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax after dinner.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy grocery lists required—everything you need is easily accessible.
• Versatile: Perfect for a comforting dinner, a casual family get-together, or even meal prep.
• Delicious Combination: Creamy sauce meets hearty pierogi and smoky turkey sausage for a flavor explosion.

What sets this recipe apart is the balance of flavors and textures. The pan-seared pierogi have just the right amount of crispness to contrast the creamy sauce. The turkey sausage adds a smoky, savory depth without being overly heavy, making it a slightly healthier option than traditional pork sausage.

This is also the kind of meal that makes everyone happy. Kids love the cheesy pierogi, adults appreciate the gourmet feel, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or herbs. Plus, it’s not just comfort food—it’s comfort food made easy. You don’t need to be a pro chef to whip this up, but it’ll taste like you are!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This Creamy Pierogi Skillet with Turkey Sausage recipe uses everyday ingredients that come together for a flavor-packed, satisfying meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Frozen pierogi: Choose your favorite flavor—potato and cheese is a classic choice, but mushroom or spinach varieties work well, too.
• Turkey sausage: Go for pre-cooked smoked turkey sausage for convenience. Slice into bite-sized pieces. (You can substitute with chicken sausage or even vegan sausage!)
• Onion: One medium onion, diced. Adds a lovely sweetness and depth.
• Garlic: Two cloves, minced. Because every good skillet dish needs garlic, right?
• Heavy cream: 1 cup for that luscious, creamy sauce. (For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or coconut cream.)
• Chicken broth: 1 cup to thin out the sauce and add flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated. Adds a salty, nutty richness.
• Spinach: 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped. A great way to sneak in some greens!
• Butter: 2 tablespoons for pan-searing the pierogi to perfection.
• Salt and black pepper: To taste.
• Optional garnish: Chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet: A non-stick or cast-iron skillet works best for even cooking and easy cleanup.
• Spatula: For flipping the pierogi without breaking them.
• Sharp knife: For slicing the turkey sausage and dicing the onion.
• Cutting board: A sturdy surface for prepping your ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key for the perfect sauce.

If you don’t have a large skillet, you can use a wide saucepan instead. Just be sure it’s deep enough to hold the sauce and ingredients without spilling over. And if you’re using cast iron, remember to preheat it for a few minutes to ensure even cooking.

Preparation Method

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the sliced turkey sausage and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
2. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Place the frozen pierogi in the pan in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and slightly crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the sausage.
3. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet—that’s where all the flavor is hiding! Bring the broth to a gentle simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the mixture cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt fully into the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Be careful not to oversalt if your Parmesan is on the salty side.
7. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
8. Return the turkey sausage and pierogi to the skillet, gently tossing them in the creamy sauce until everything is well-coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, just to warm everything through.
9. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Serve immediately!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: When searing the pierogi, make sure they’re in a single layer to ensure even browning. If your skillet is small, cook them in batches.
• Use pre-cooked sausage: It saves time and ensures the sausage is tender and juicy. If you’re using fresh sausage, cook it through completely before adding it to the dish.
• Adjust the sauce consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for an extra minute or two. For a thinner sauce, add a splash more chicken broth.
• Season gradually: Parmesan cheese is naturally salty, so taste the sauce before adding additional salt.
• Keep the pierogi intact: Be gentle when flipping the pierogi in the skillet to avoid breaking them. A silicone or non-stick spatula works best for this step.

Variations & Adaptations

One of the best things about this Creamy Pierogi Skillet with Turkey Sausage recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some ways to switch it up:

• Vegetarian version: Skip the sausage and add extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Seasonal twist: In summer, swap the spinach for fresh cherry tomatoes and basil. In winter, try kale or Swiss chard for a heartier option.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pierogi, which are available at most health food stores.
• Cheese swap: For a more robust flavor, use a sharp cheddar or Gruyère instead of Parmesan.

One of my favorite tweaks is adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the sauce for a subtle smoky flavor—it pairs beautifully with the turkey sausage!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This dish is best served fresh, straight from the skillet when the pierogi are crispy and the sauce is warm and creamy. Pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal. A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon makes a refreshing accompaniment.

To store leftovers, transfer the dish to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce. Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, or microwave at 30-second intervals until heated through.

Pro tip: The flavors in the sauce tend to deepen over time, making leftovers even tastier!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While indulgent, this Creamy Pierogi Skillet with Turkey Sausage offers a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Here’s a rough estimate per serving:

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 20g

The turkey sausage is a lean protein option compared to traditional pork sausage, while the spinach adds a boost of vitamins A and C, iron, and fiber. You can make it even lighter by swapping heavy cream for a lower-fat alternative like Greek yogurt or almond milk.

For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free pierogi and dairy-free cream substitutes make this recipe accessible to everyone.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to make and hits all the right notes, this Creamy Pierogi Skillet with Turkey Sausage is the answer. It’s versatile, packed with flavor, and perfect for those busy nights when you need something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Creamy Pierogi Skillet with Turkey Sausage Recipe

Print Recipe

A comforting one-pan dish featuring crispy pierogi, smoky turkey sausage, and a creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

• Author: paula
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 package frozen pierogi (potato and cheese, mushroom, or spinach varieties)
• 1 package pre-cooked smoked turkey sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter option)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the sliced turkey sausage and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
2. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Place the frozen pierogi in the pan in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and slightly crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the sausage.
3. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the mixture cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt fully into the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
8. Return the turkey sausage and pierogi to the skillet, gently tossing them in the creamy sauce until everything is well-coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, just to warm everything through.
9. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

[‘Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the pierogi to ensure even browning.’, ‘Use pre-cooked sausage to save time and ensure tenderness.’, ‘Adjust the sauce consistency by simmering longer for a thicker sauce or adding more chicken broth for a thinner sauce.’, ‘Taste the sauce before adding additional salt, as Parmesan cheese is naturally salty.’, ‘Be gentle when flipping the pierogi to avoid breaking them.’]

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Fat: 20
• Carbohydrates: 40
• Protein: 20

Keywords: pierogi, turkey sausage, creamy sauce, one-pan meal, comfort food, easy dinner, quick recipe