Save to Pinterest A savory-sweet skillet dish featuring juicy sausage, caramelized apples, and al dente pasta, all tossed in a light, herbed sauce for a comforting one-pan meal.
I first tried this skillet recipe on a chilly weeknight when I was craving something hearty but fresh. The combination of caramelized apples and sausage surprised my family and quickly became a requested favorite.
Ingredients
- Italian sausage: 12 oz (340 g) mild or spicy, casings removed
- Apples: 2 medium, cored and sliced (preferably Honeycrisp or Gala)
- Yellow onion: 1 small, thinly sliced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Baby spinach: 2 cups (60 g)
- Short pasta: 12 oz (340 g) penne, rigatoni, or fusilli
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/3 cup (30 g)
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Dried thyme: 1/2 tsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/4 tsp (optional)
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain pasta, and set aside.
- Brown the sausage:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7 minutes. Remove sausage to a plate.
- Preheat broiler:
- Set broiler to high, or preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Sauté apples and onion:
- Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter to the skillet. Add apple slices and onion. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Sauté for 5 minutes until apples are golden and onion softened.
- Add garlic:
- Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine, cook pasta and sausage:
- Return sausage to the skillet. Add pasta, broth, and reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce. Stir in spinach until wilted.
- Add Parmesan and broil:
- Dot with remaining butter and sprinkle Parmesan evenly over top.
- Broil until golden:
- Transfer skillet under broiler for 2–3 minutes, until top is bubbly and golden.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired.
Save to Pinterest The first time I shared this skillet pasta with my family, everyone asked for seconds, and the combination of apples with sausage sparked lots of happy conversation at dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad and a glass of Pinot Grigio. Add crusty bread for extra comfort.
Ingredient Tips
Choose tart, firm apples such as Honeycrisp or Gala to prevent mushiness. Select your preferred sausage style for mild or spicy flavor.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
Save to Pinterest This one-pan meal celebrates fall flavors and is sure to warm your table any night of the week.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, any firm and mildly sweet variety such as Fuji or Braeburn works well for balanced flavor.
- → What pasta shapes are best?
Short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold sauce and ingredients evenly for perfect texture.
- → How can I make this vegetarian?
Choose plant-based sausage and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth for an easy meat-free version.
- → Should I peel the apples?
Peeling is optional; leaving skins adds texture and color, but peeled apples yield a softer finish.
- → Can leftovers be reheated?
Leftovers can be reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth to moisten.
- → Which wine pairs well?
Try a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, to complement sweet and savory notes of the dish.