Chicken Apple Sausage Pasta

This chicken apple sausage pasta brings together sweet and savory flavors for a satisfying and quick dinner. Sliced sausage, crisp apple, and tender spinach are tossed with pasta in a light garlic and Parmesan sauce. It’s a balanced meal that comes together in one main pan.

Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for a busy weeknight. It uses common ingredients and a straightforward method to get a flavorful dinner on the table without much fuss.

Why will you love Chicken Apple Sausage Pasta?

Browning the sausage first develops a deep, savory flavor foundation in the pan that seasons the entire dish.

Using a combination of chicken broth and starchy pasta water creates a light yet creamy sauce without any heavy cream.

Adding the fresh spinach at the very end of cooking ensures it stays bright green and tender, not overcooked.

Chicken Apple Sausage Pasta Ingredients

• Chicken Apple Sausage: Most brands of pre-cooked chicken apple sausage will work well here. You can also substitute another flavored chicken or turkey sausage.

• Apple: Use a firm, crisp apple like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji. These varieties hold their shape and provide a nice textural contrast when cooked.

• Pasta: Rotini’s corkscrew shape is great for catching the sauce and small bits of sausage and apple. Penne, fusilli, or orecchiette would also be good choices.

• Beans: Cannellini beans (or Great Northern beans) add a creamy texture and a boost of fiber and protein. If you’re not a fan, you can leave them out.

• Shallot: A shallot provides a milder, more delicate flavor than a regular onion. If you don’t have one, half of a small yellow onion can be used instead.

Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.

How to Make Chicken Apple Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Cook Pasta and Prep

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente. While it’s cooking, you can chop your sausage, apple, shallot, and garlic. Remember to save a cup of the starchy pasta water before you drain it.

Step 2: Sauté the Sausage and Apple

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook the sausage and shallots until the sausage is nicely browned. Next, add the chopped apple and garlic. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, and cook until the apple just begins to soften.

Step 3: Build the Sauce and Finish

Pour in the chicken broth, then add the beans and spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, along with the Parmesan cheese. Toss it all together, adding splashes of the reserved pasta water until the sauce is glossy and coats the pasta well.

What to Serve with Chicken Apple Sausage Pasta

This is a complete meal on its own, but a simple green salad or some crusty bread would be nice alongside it.

Helpful Tricks for Chicken Apple Sausage Pasta

Food Safety: Since the chicken sausage is pre-cooked, the goal is to heat it through. Ensure the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Pasta Water: Don’t skip reserving the pasta water. Its starchiness helps the sauce cling to the pasta and gives it a better texture than plain water.

Apple Prep: You can peel the apple if you prefer, but the skin adds color and texture. Chopping it into small, even pieces helps it cook quickly.

Greens: If you don’t have spinach, chopped kale or Swiss chard are good substitutes. Add them with the broth and allow a few extra minutes for them to become tender.

How to Store and Freeze Chicken Apple Sausage Pasta

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish does not freeze well, as the pasta and apple texture can change upon thawing. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Chicken Apple Sausage Pasta Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, this recipe is very flexible. A sweet or mild Italian chicken or pork sausage would be a great substitute. Just be sure to cook it through if it’s raw.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free short pasta and cook it according to the package directions. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels to be sure.

Do I have to add the beans?

No, you can omit the cannellini beans if you prefer. The dish will still be very flavorful without them.

Chicken Apple Sausage Pasta

Sweet chicken apple sausage and crisp apples come together in a light, savory sauce with pasta for a quick weeknight meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz rotini pasta 340g
• 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 30ml
• 12 oz pre-cooked chicken apple sausage sliced into 1/4-inch rounds, 340g
• 1 medium shallot finely chopped
• 1 crisp apple cored and chopped, like Honeycrisp or Gala
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth 180ml
• 1 can (425g) cannellini beans rinsed and drained, 15-ounce
• 5 oz fresh spinach 142g
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving, 25g

Instructions

 

• Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water.
• While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and chopped shallot.
• Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and the shallot is soft, about 4-5 minutes. The sausage is pre-cooked, but ensure it is heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Add the chopped apple, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apple is tender-crisp.
• Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the rinsed beans and fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach has wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
• Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sausage and apple mixture. Add the Parmesan cheese and toss everything together to combine.
• Add a splash of the reserved pasta water (starting with 1/4 cup) to the skillet, stirring until a light sauce forms that coats the pasta. Add more water as needed to reach your preferred consistency.
• Serve immediately, topped with additional grated Parmesan cheese if you like.

Notes

Food Safety: Since the chicken sausage is pre-cooked, the goal is to heat it through. Ensure the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Pasta Water: Don't skip reserving the pasta water. Its starchiness helps the sauce cling to the pasta and gives it a better texture than plain water.

Apple Prep: You can peel the apple if you prefer, but the skin adds color and texture. Chopping it into small, even pieces helps it cook quickly.

Greens: If you don't have spinach, chopped kale or Swiss chard are good substitutes. Add them with the broth and allow a few extra minutes for them to become tender.

Keyword 30 minute meal, chicken apple sausage pasta, chicken sausage, Pasta, Quick Dinner