Roasted Apple Sausage Pasta Skillet (Print)

Tender pasta tossed with sausage, apples, and herbs for a flavorful one-pan dinner.

# Ingredients:

→ Meats

01 - 12 oz Italian sausage, mild or spicy, casings removed

→ Vegetables & Fruits

02 - 2 medium apples, cored and sliced (preferably Honeycrisp or Gala)
03 - 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 cups baby spinach

→ Pasta

06 - 12 oz short pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli

→ Dairy

07 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter

→ Pantry

09 - 2 tbsp olive oil
10 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
11 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
12 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Liquids

13 - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

# Directions:

01 - Boil pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add sausage, crumble it with a spoon, and cook for 7 to 8 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Transfer sausage to a plate.
03 - Set oven to broil function, or preheat to 450°F.
04 - Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter to skillet. Add apple slices and onion. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until apples are golden and onions are tender.
05 - Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
06 - Return sausage to skillet. Add cooked pasta, chicken broth, and reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce. Stir in spinach until wilted.
07 - Dot the mixture with remaining 1 tablespoon butter and sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
08 - Place skillet under broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
09 - Serve immediately with additional Parmesan and red pepper flakes, as desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Uses just one skillet for easy cleanup
  • Perfect contrast of sweet apples and savory sausage
  • Finishes bubbling hot and melty under the broiler
  • Ready in under 1 hour—ideal for busy nights
02 -
  • Naturally sweet apples balance spicy or savory sausage
  • One pan means almost zero cleanup for such a full-flavored meal
  • Adaptable for different greens or sausage types
  • Keeps well as leftovers and reheats beautifully
03 -
  • Always use a heavy bottomed skillet for even browning and easy oven to table serving
  • Be patient when caramelizing onions and apples This slow process adds unbelievable sweetness to the finished dish
  • Reserve a generous amount of starchy pasta water It is your secret to a glossy pan sauce

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