# What you'll need:
→ Meats
01 - 12 oz Italian sausage, casings removed
→ Vegetables & Fruits
02 - 2 medium apples, cored and sliced
03 - 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 cups baby spinach
→ Pasta
06 - 12 oz short pasta (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
12 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Liquids
13 - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
# Method:
01 - Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, break it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
03 - Preheat the broiler or set oven to 450°F.
04 - Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet. Add apple slices and onion, then season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until apples are golden and onions have softened.
05 - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
06 - Return sausage to the skillet. Add cooked pasta, chicken broth, and reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce. Stir in spinach until wilted.
07 - Dot with remaining 1 tablespoon butter and sprinkle Parmesan evenly over the top.
08 - Place the skillet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
09 - Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired.
