Save Roasted Apple and Sausage Pasta Skillet is my go-to comfort dish for chilly evenings when I crave something savory yet just a little bit sweet. Picture juicy sausage, caramelized apples, and tender pasta all bubbling in a skillet under a golden cheesy layer. This recipe brings together everything I love about fall flavors in one satisfying pan, and clean-up is a breeze since it all comes together in a single skillet.
The first time I made this, the aroma of roasted apples and sausage filled the kitchen and we barely let it cool before digging in. It is now a dish my family eagerly requests as soon as apple season hits.
Ingredients
- Italian sausage: Packs in loads of flavor and can be spicy or mild to suit your mood. Look for sausage with high-quality meat and spices for best taste
- Honeycrisp or Gala apples: Add just the right amount of sweetness and hold their shape during roasting. Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart for flavor contrast
- Yellow onion: Brings mellow sweetness and a bit of depth. Pick one that feels heavy for its size and shows no signs of sprouting
- Fresh garlic: Lends big flavor and warmth. Select plump firm cloves for the best bite
- Baby spinach: Wilts down easily and brightens the whole dish. Bagged pre-washed spinach saves even more time
- Short pasta (penne or rigatoni): Catches the sauce and apples in every bite. Look for well-shaped noodles with rougher surfaces to hold sauce
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts beautifully and adds nuttiness. Always grate your own from a wedge for maximum flavor
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness while controlling the salt level. Opt for high-quality European-style butter if you can
- Olive oil: Helps everything brown without burning. Use extra virgin for a boost of herbal flavor
- Dried thyme: Gives the sauce a cozy herbal note. Rub the thyme between your fingers before adding to release the oils
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Can take the heat up if you love a little kick. Only add if you are a fan of spice
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the silky base of the sauce. Go for a broth with real ingredients for clean flavor
- Salt and black pepper: Tune the flavors to your taste. Use flaky salt and freshly cracked pepper if possible
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Scoop out half a cup of pasta water before draining and set pasta aside
- Brown the Sausage:
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Let it cook undisturbed for a few moments to brown before stirring. Cook until deeply browned and cooked through about seven to eight minutes. Remove sausage to a plate lined with paper towels to drain
- Caramelize Apples and Onions:
- Preheat your broiler or set the oven to four hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit in preparation. For the skillet, add olive oil and butter. Toss in the apple slices and onion. Season with salt, fresh pepper, and dried thyme. Sauté five to seven minutes, stirring often, until apples are golden and onions have softened
- Add the Garlic:
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir constantly for one minute until fragrant but not browned. This develops the aromatic base of your sauce
- Combine Ingredients:
- Return cooked sausage to the pan. Add drained pasta, chicken broth and a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir vigorously until the sauce is glossy and coats everything. Fold in the baby spinach, allowing it to wilt just from the heat
- Finish with Cheese:
- Dot the top with remaining butter and shower Parmesan cheese evenly over everything. The butter and cheese help brown the top and add irresistible richness
- Broil the Skillet:
- Place the entire skillet under the broiler for about two to three minutes. Watch closely as the top bubbles and tans to a lovely golden color
- Serve and Garnish:
- Serve hot straight from the skillet. Offer extra Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes at the table for anyone who loves a little heat
Save One of my favorite touches in this recipe is using Honeycrisp apples. Their sweet tart juiciness offsets the richness of sausage perfectly and my kids love the surprise of fruit in their pasta. One bite always reminds me of cool Sunday dinners gathered around the table
Storage Tips
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out. Leftovers also make a fantastic packed lunch since flavors deepen overnight
Ingredient Substitutions
Try chicken sausage or even turkey sausage for a lighter version. If you want to go vegetarian, plant-based sausage and vegetable broth do the trick. For the greens, switch out the spinach with baby kale or arugula which both bring a peppery twist
Serving Suggestions
This pasta skillet is delicious on its own for a cozy weeknight but I love serving it with a crisp green salad and a chunk of crusty bread. If you are feeling fancy, a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or cider pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory flavors
Cultural and Seasonal Context
Roasted apples and sausage have roots in hearty country cooking from American and European traditions. This dish captures autumn in every bite but it is delightful all winter long when apples are at their best. In the spring I sometimes use asparagus or peas instead of apples for a lighter twist
Seasonal Adaptations
Use pears if apples are out of season. Swap in Swiss chard when spinach is not available. Toss in roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes for a more autumnal variation
Success Stories
Friends rave about this dish. I once made it for book club and it was the first pan scraped clean out of many potluck offerings. One busy weeknight I even prepped everything in advance and finished it under the broiler right before serving
Freezer Meal Conversion
For the best texture, freeze just the sausage and apple mixture without the pasta. Thaw and reheat then toss with freshly cooked pasta, cheese, and greens right before serving. The sauce comes together in minutes and tastes just as good thanks to all the built-up flavors
Save This skillet pasta delivers satisfaction in every bite and is sure to become a family favorite. Serve straight from the pan for maximum comfort and flavor
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, choose mild, spicy, or even plant-based sausage to suit your taste or dietary preference.
- → Which apple varieties work best?
Honeycrisp or Gala apples are ideal for their sweet-tart flavor, but any firm, baking apple can be used.
- → Can I substitute greens in the dish?
Spinach is traditional, but you can use kale, arugula, or chard for varied flavor and texture.
- → Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Swap the sausage for a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.
- → Do I need an oven-safe skillet?
An oven-safe skillet is best for broiling the top, but a baking dish can work if you transfer ingredients before broiling.
- → What pasta shapes can I use?
Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well; choose short pasta shapes that hold sauce and mix easily.