Roasted Apple Sausage Pasta Skillet

This Roasted Apple and Sausage Pasta Skillet has become my weeknight secret for making everyone at the table happy A flavorful combination of juicy Italian sausage tender apples and quick-cooking pasta simmers together in one pan for incredible comfort food with zero fuss

Every time I make this the kitchen fills with the savory aroma of sausage and sweet apples My family requests seconds even before their plates are empty

Ingredients

• Italian sausage: brings a spicy or sweet depth Use fresh sausage and remove the casing for best texture
• Apples: provide a sweet and tangy bite Choose firm Honeycrisp or Gala apples for flavor and to hold their shape
• Yellow onion: mellows into caramelized sweetness Seek out smaller fresh onions for best flavor
• Garlic: infuses aromatic warmth Go for firm cloves with papery skin
• Baby spinach: adds color and light nutrition Always pick vibrant green unblemished leaves
• Pasta: short shapes like penne or rigatoni grab the sauce well Look for bronze-cut pasta for an extra toothsome bite
• Grated Parmesan cheese: delivers salty richness Buy a block and grate it fresh if possible
• Unsalted butter: rounds out the sauce and brings a velvety finish Good quality European style butter adds more richness
• Olive oil: is the base for sautéing vegetables Choose a fruity extra virgin olive oil for flavor
• Dried thyme: brings an herby backbone Rub the leaves between your fingers before adding to unlock the oils
• Crushed red pepper flakes: add gentle heat To control the heat use a pinch or leave it out
• Salt and black pepper: season everything Use fine sea salt and freshly cracked pepper
• Low sodium chicken broth: creates the sauce Choose a clear flavorful broth with low sodium so you can adjust the salt
• Reserved pasta water: helps marry the sauce The starch in the water creates a silky coating on the noodles

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil Add the pasta and stir Cook until just al dente testing a minute before the package time Reserve half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta then set it aside on a plate

Brown the Sausage:

Place a large oven safe skillet on the stove over medium heat Pour in one tablespoon olive oil Once hot add the sausage Break it up using a wooden spoon Stir frequently so all crumbles brown evenly After seven to eight minutes the sausage should be cooked through and nicely browned Transfer it out of the pan to a plate leaving any juices behind

Preheat the Broiler:

Turn the oven broiler on high or if using a standard oven preheat to four hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Two hundred thirty degrees Celsius This ensures an irresistible golden finish at the end

Sauté the Apples and Onion:

Return the skillet to medium heat and swirl in the remaining tablespoon olive oil plus one tablespoon butter Toss in the apple slices and onion Sprinkle on salt pepper and dried thyme Stir everything and let cook undisturbed for three minutes to build caramelization After five to seven minutes apples should appear golden edges and onions glassy and sweet

Add Garlic:

Scatter in the minced garlic Stir for about a minute so it releases its aroma but does not brown The kitchen will smell incredible

Bring It All Together:

Return cooked sausage to the pan on top of the apples and onions Tip in the drained pasta Pour over the chicken broth and gently splash in some reserved pasta water Use a wooden spoon to fold everything together The sauce should be light and silky Add the spinach and cook stirring until just wilted bright green and glossy

Finish and Broil:

Dot pieces of the remaining butter across the surface Shower the Parmesan evenly across the top Slide the whole skillet under the broiler Let it bubble and turn golden for two to three minutes Watch closely so the cheese does not burn

Serve:

Lift the skillet from the oven Let it settle for a minute Scatter on extra Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who like heat Spoon into bowls while it is still hot

Pin

I love how roasted apples transform as they cook in the sausage fat bringing back memories of my childhood fall trips to the orchard My grandmother always tossed apples in savory dishes and I follow her lead every time I make this

Storage Tips

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate They will keep their flavor for up to three days Warm gently in a skillet or microwave before serving Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce If you want to store for longer freeze individual portions in freezer safe containers for up to two months and thaw before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find Italian sausage use any fresh pork chicken or turkey sausage with your favorite spices For a vegetarian version try a plant based sausage and swap chicken broth for a good vegetable broth Switch baby spinach with chopped kale or arugula The apples are essential but pears can work in a pinch and bring a delightful floral note

Serving Suggestions

This skillet is a meal on its own but adding a crisp green salad brings extra freshness A glass of chilled pinot grigio or even sparkling apple cider plays up the sweet flavors Toast up a baguette for mopping up silky sauce Kids might like a sprinkle of extra cheese on their serving

Cultural and Historical Context

The combination of apples and savory sausage traces back to traditional American harvest cooking Mixing sweet fruit and hearty meat reflects the rustic farm dinners of Midwestern and New England families The modern touch is the quick broil for a gratin top

Seasonal Adaptations

In summer try slices of ripe peaches in place of apples In winter double down on thyme and maybe add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth Spring baby kale or arugula makes a great swap for spinach

Success Stories

Friends have texted me pictures of their skillet bubbling away and I have heard kids request this after just one taste Leftovers warm up so well that my partner claims the flavors are even deeper the next day

Freezer Meal Conversion

Fully assemble the pasta through step bring it all together but skip the final broil instead cool quickly and freeze in a skillet or oven safe dish To serve thaw overnight and finish under the broiler straight from the fridge

Pin

One of my favorite things is how the golden cheesy top contrasts with the jammy apples underneath and the spiced sausage bites Every time the broiler turns the cheese crisp I know dinner will be unforgettable

Recipe Questions

→ Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, Honeycrisp or Gala are suggested for their sweetness, but Granny Smith or Fuji work well for a tart flavor.

→ Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use plant-based sausage and substitute vegetable broth for a delicious meatless option.

→ What pasta shapes work best?

Short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are best as they hold the sauce and mix well with other ingredients.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat or choose a spicy Italian sausage for bolder flavor.

→ Can I substitute a different leafy green?

Yes, kale or arugula can replace spinach for a slightly different texture and taste.

→ What wine pairs with this dish?

A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the savory and sweet flavors nicely.