Roasted Apple Sausage Pasta Skillet

This Roasted Apple and Sausage Pasta Skillet is my favorite kind of one-pan wonder. It brings together sweet crisp apples, golden sausage, and silky pasta, all wrapped in a light herbed sauce. This meal manages to be nostalgic and fresh at once, and I reach for it whenever I want something hearty but a little unexpected.

I still remember making this with apples picked from our backyard and watching everyone go back for seconds. The aroma as this broils is pure comfort.

Ingredients

• Italian sausage: savory and juicy makes the base of the dish Choose fresh locally-made links if you can for the best flavor
• Apples: Honeycrisp or Gala add sweetness and hold their shape Pick firm apples for perfect slices
• Yellow onion: brings subtle sweetness and depth Look for onions with dry skins and no soft spots
• Garlic: ups the savoriness Use fresh cloves for a richer aroma
• Baby spinach: offers a burst of green and a nutrient boost Fresh unwilted spinach will stay vibrant
• Short pasta: penne rigatoni or fusilli will catch all those flavors Choose bronze-cut or artisan pasta for more texture
• Parmesan cheese: adds salty tang Always grate your own for the best melt and flavor
• Unsalted butter: ties everything together and gives a glossy finish Use European butter for extra richness if available
• Olive oil: for sautéing and gentle flavor Choose extra virgin for nice peppery notes
• Dried thyme: an earthy herbal touch Rub between your fingers to release oils before adding
• Crushed red pepper flakes: add gentle heat completely optional Use fresh and keep them in an airtight jar for potency
• Salt and black pepper: to taste Always season as you go
• Low-sodium chicken broth: helps create the silky sauce with a savory backbone Use homemade or store-bought but go for low-sodium

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil Add the short pasta and cook just until al dente usually 1 to 2 minutes less than the package says Scoop out half a cup of pasta water right before draining then set the pasta aside

Brown the Sausage:

While the pasta cooks heat one tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat Crumble the sausage into the skillet Let it cook undisturbed for a couple minutes so it starts to brown then use a wooden spoon to break it up Continue to cook for seven or eight minutes until no pink remains and you see delicious browned bits on the skillet Transfer sausage to a plate and wipe out excess fat if necessary

Caramelize Apples and Onion:

Add another tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of unsalted butter to the skillet Once butter melts scatter in apple slices and onion Sprinkle with salt black pepper and dried thyme Stir occasionally for five to seven minutes until apples are golden at the edges and onions are soft and sweet The apples should smell amazing and take on a tender bite

Add Garlic:

Stir minced garlic into the skillet cooking for one minute until it is highly fragrant but not browned

Combine and Wilt the Spinach:

Tip the browned sausage back into the skillet with the apple mixture Add drained pasta chicken broth and a splash of the reserved pasta water Stir well letting everything get coated in the sauce Add baby spinach in handfuls gently tossing until it just wilts

Finish With Cheese and Broil:

Cut remaining tablespoon of butter into small pieces and scatter over the pasta Sprinkle evenly with grated Parmesan Set the skillet under a hot broiler or in a 450 degree oven for two to three minutes You are looking for a bubbly golden top and a little crispness at the edges

Serve:

Pull the skillet out carefully Let it cool for a minute then scoop onto plates Serve with more Parmesan and a pinch of chili flakes if you like a little extra heat

Save

The best part for me is always the moment that Parmesan bubbles under the broiler My youngest loves sneaking crispy apple slices from the pan before dinner even gets to the table

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to three days Store in an airtight container and reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to keep things silky The flavors deepen overnight so this makes an even tastier lunch the next day

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any apple that holds its shape such as Fuji or Pink Lady For a lighter version swap in chicken or turkey sausage No spinach no problem arugula or chopped kale work just as nicely If you need to go dairy free try a sprinkle of nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan and use your favorite plant-based butter

Serving Suggestions

Serve this straight out of the skillet for true family style comfort It teams up beautifully with a crisp green salad or a side of garlic bread For a dinner party a pour of cold Pinot Grigio or apple cider brings out those autumnal notes

Cultural and Seasonal Context

Mixing sweet apples into savory dishes nods to Midwestern harvest cooking where apples end up in all sorts of cozy meals This skillet feels right at home on a chilly autumn night but I make it all year using whatever apples look best at the market

Seasonal Adaptations

Use pears in place of apples in late fall for a sweeter twist In spring swap spinach for fresh asparagus or peas A dash of fresh sage or rosemary instead of thyme adds a holiday aroma You can easily make this ahead and crisp under the broiler right before serving

Success Stories

Friends have told me their picky eaters ask for seconds on this one I once made it for a neighbor recovering from surgery and she called it her new go-to comfort meal Even my apple skeptical dad became a fan after his first bite

Freezer Meal Conversion

Let the pasta skillet cool completely before transferring to a freezer safe dish Cover tightly and freeze for up to two months Thaw overnight in the fridge Sprinkle on extra Parmesan and reheat uncovered in a hot oven until bubbling

Save

I always keep a few extra apples on hand for this recipe Some nights I add more than the recipe calls for because the natural sweetness ties the whole dish together and makes every bite memorable

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use different apples?

Yes! Honeycrisp or Gala are ideal but any firm, mildly sweet apple works well for roasting and caramelizing.

→ Is the sausage essential?

While sausage adds savory flavor, plant-based sausage or mushrooms can be substituted for a vegetarian-friendly version.

→ Can I skip broiling at the end?

Broiling melts the cheese and creates golden bits, but you may serve the dish straight from the stovetop if preferred.

→ Which pasta shapes work best?

Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are recommended for their ability to hold sauce and blend evenly with other ingredients.

→ How can I add heat?

Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of spice, or choose spicy Italian sausage for extra warmth.

→ Are there gluten-free options?

Use gluten-free pasta and verify sausage and broth ingredients to accommodate gluten sensitivities.