Indulge in the comforting flavors of this creamy pierogi and turkey sausage skillet, a delightful one-pan dinner that comes together effortlessly in just 30 minutes. The combination of tender pierogi and savory turkey sausage nestled in a rich, creamy sauce offers a satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
This recipe brings together simple ingredients with bold flavors, creating a harmonious dish that’s both hearty and flavorful. The addition of fresh spinach and a sprinkle of dill elevates the skillet to a full, well-balanced meal without any fuss.
- Quick and easy one-pan meal perfect for busy nights.
- Combines frozen pierogi with savory turkey sausage and creamy sauce for rich flavor.
- Versatile ingredients allow for easy substitutions and customization.
- Balanced with fresh spinach and herbs for added nutrition and taste.
Ingredients
- Frozen Pierogi (cheese or potato filling): Pre-made dumplings filled with creamy cheese or mashed potatoes lending soft, satisfying texture to the dish.
- Turkey Sausage (8 oz, sliced): Lean and flavorful, preferably spicy to add a gentle kick and depth to the skillet.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Used to sauté onions and sausage, providing a mild fruity base note and preventing sticking.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Adds sweetness and aromatic flavor when softened, building the dish’s savory foundation.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the skillet with a warm, pungent aroma that enhances the overall taste.
- Fresh Spinach (1 cup): Adds vibrant color and a subtle earthy flavor while boosting nutrient content.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): Creates a rich, velvety base for the creamy sauce coating the pierogi and sausage.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Adds tanginess and thickness, balancing the richness of the heavy cream.
- Dried Dill (1 teaspoon): Provides a fresh herbaceous note reminiscent of traditional Eastern European flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the dish’s flavors to your preference.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, optional): Adds a nutty, savory finish when sprinkled on top or stirred in before serving.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Brings a fresh, bright contrast and appealing color to the finished dish.
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil and Sauté Onions
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Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add diced onions. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they soften and become translucent, releasing their natural sweetness that lays the foundation for robust flavor.
- Cook Turkey Sausage Until Browned
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Add the sliced turkey sausage to the skillet with onions, cooking for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning and to develop deeper savory notes as the sausage renders fat and crisps slightly.
- Add Garlic for Aroma
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Stir in the minced garlic and cook just about 1 minute until fragrant. This brief cooking prevents burning while infusing the skillet with its rich, distinctive aroma.
- Incorporate Frozen Pierogi
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Carefully place frozen pierogi into the skillet, mixing them gently with the sausage and onions. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the pierogi to heat through and develop a slightly crispy exterior that enhances texture.
- Wilt Fresh Spinach
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Reduce heat to low and add the fresh spinach. Cook for approximately 2 minutes until wilted, folding it into the skillet to add a fresh, leafy component and vibrant green color to the dish.
- Combine Creams and Seasonings
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Pour in heavy cream and sour cream, stirring thoroughly to create a luscious creamy sauce. Add dried dill, and season with salt and pepper to enhance and balance all the flavors harmoniously.
- Simmer Until Slightly Thickened
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Let the skillet simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the pierogi and sausage evenly for a hearty, satisfying bite every time.
- Add Parmesan Cheese (Optional)
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If desired, stir in grated Parmesan cheese to enrich the sauce with its nutty, savory qualities, then remove the skillet from heat to preserve texture and flavor.
- Frozen pierogi can be substituted with fresh if available for an even fresher taste.
- Spicy turkey sausage adds warmth, but mild sausage works perfectly for sensitive palates.
- Keep heat moderate to avoid burning the garlic and cream sauce.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to maintain creamy texture without separating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy skillet as a hearty dinner on its own or pair with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to balance the richness. Garnish generously with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for added appeal.
- Sear the pierogi a bit longer if you prefer a crispier texture that adds delightful contrast.
- Fresh spinach can be swapped with kale or chard for more robust greens.
- Adjust cream thickness by using half-and-half for a lighter sauce if desired.
- Adding a splash of white wine before the cream enriches the sauce’s depth of flavor.
FAQs
- Can I use different types of sausage in this recipe?
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Yes, pork or chicken sausage can substitute turkey; just choose your preferred spice level and adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Are there vegetarian alternatives?
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You can omit the sausage and add extra mushrooms or plant-based sausage substitutes to keep the dish flavorful and satisfying.
- Can I make this dish gluten-free?
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Use gluten-free pierogi and ensure sausage ingredients are free of gluten-containing fillers for a safe gluten-free version.
- How can I make this recipe lighter?
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Swap heavy cream and sour cream with Greek yogurt or use half-and-half to reduce fat while keeping creaminess.
- Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time?
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You can prepare the components separately and reheat together before serving, but it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
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Freezing is possible but may affect the creamy sauce’s texture; reheat slowly and stir well to recombine.
- What other herbs work well with this dish?
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Fresh thyme, chives, or parsley complement the flavors nicely if you want to vary the herbal notes.
Creamy Pierogi Turkey Sausage Skillet
Equipment
- 1 large skillet for cooking and combining all ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen pierogi cheese or potato filling
- 8 oz turkey sausage sliced (preferably spicy)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté diced onion for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Add sliced turkey sausage and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add frozen pierogi to the skillet, stirring carefully to combine with sausage and onions; cook 5 to 7 minutes until heated through and lightly browned.
- Reduce heat to low, add fresh spinach, and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and sour cream; stir to combine. Add dried dill, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Simmer mixture for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- If desired, stir in grated Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess, then remove from heat.
- Serve in a shallow bowl garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if preferred.
Notes
- Use spicy sausage for added flavor.
- Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently to prevent curdling of cream sauce.
