Chicken Apple Sausage One Pan Pasta: The Ultimate Busy Weeknight Hero

Chicken Apple Sausage One Pan Pasta is what dinner dreams are made of. You get the savory goodness of sausage, the subtle sweetness of apples, the comfort of pasta—all wrapped up in a one-pan wonder. No mountain of dishes to scrub, no fussy steps that leave you cross-eyed. Just a hearty, wholesome meal that’s surprisingly simple and hits the sweet spot between indulgent and practical. Whether you’re wrangling toddlers, working late, or just plain tired (been there), this easy pasta dish brings major flavor without the stress.

You toss it all in one skillet—pasta, veggies, sausage, broth—and like magic, dinner is served. The best part? The chicken apple sausage adds a little sweet-and-savory flair that’s both kid-approved and adult-crave-worthy. So if you’re looking for a no-fuss dinner that feels fancy but is easy enough for a Tuesday, this one’s got your back. Let’s talk about why this cozy classic is a pantry staple you’ll want on repeat.

Table of Contents

What is Chicken Apple Sausage One Pan Pasta?

Chicken Apple Sausage One Pan Pasta is a flavorful, balanced dish that brings together smoky-sweet chicken apple sausage, tender pasta, vibrant veggies, and savory broth—all simmered together in a single skillet. The beauty of this dish is how everything cooks together in one pan, soaking up flavor as it goes. It’s not just about saving dishes (though, yes please), it’s about creating something that tastes like you spent way more time on it than you did.

The sausage is mildly sweet with a little smoky kick, playing nicely with garlic, onions, and spinach. You don’t even need to boil the pasta separately—everything cooks in the broth, soaking up every ounce of goodness. It’s kind of like if your favorite comfort food and your healthy weeknight dinner had a delicious baby. Think of it as a weeknight warrior: easy enough for a Monday, tasty enough for guests. It’s cozy, fast, and absolutely satisfying—basically the dinner version of a big cozy sweater.

Reasons to Try Chicken Apple Sausage One Pan Pasta

If your weeknight dinners feel like a game of “What’s in the fridge?” roulette, Chicken Apple Sausage One Pan Pasta is your new MVP. First off, it’s one pan. That means fewer dishes and more time to chill (or chase your kids—either way, less cleanup is a win). Second, this recipe is super flexible. Don’t have kale? Use spinach. Want gluten-free pasta? Go for it.

The chicken apple sausage brings a subtle sweetness that balances beautifully with the savory broth and herbs. It’s also a great way to sneak in veggies without anyone noticing—especially picky eaters. Another bonus? It feels a little fancy, like something you’d get at a rustic café, but it comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for when you want to feel like a domestic goddess without actually putting on real pants. And lastly, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s your partner, your kids, or just your hungry self, this dish wins them all over.

Ingredients Needed to Make Chicken Apple Sausage One Pan Pasta

– 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini work best for holding the sauce)
– 1 pound chicken apple sausage, sliced into rounds
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow adds a nice sweetness)
– 2 cups spinach or kale (fresh, not frozen)
– 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium if you prefer control over salt)
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but highly recommended for topping)

Instructions to Make Chicken Apple Sausage One Pan Pasta

Heat the Olive Oil

Start by grabbing your biggest skillet or sauté pan—something deep enough to hold all the goodies. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. You don’t need a ton of oil here since the sausage will release some of its own savory juices.

Brown the Chicken Apple Sausage

Once the oil shimmers, toss in your sliced sausage. Let them brown up for about 5-7 minutes. You want a little caramelization—that’s flavor gold right there. Stir occasionally so they don’t stick but let them get a little crispy on the edges.

Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Add your diced onion and minced garlic right into the pan. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and starts turning translucent. Your kitchen will already smell amazing at this point—just wait.

Add the Bell Pepper

Throw in the diced bell pepper and give it all a good stir. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the peppers are tender but still have a bit of bite. The sweetness of red or yellow pepper plays off the sausage perfectly.

Pour in the Pasta and Broth

Here comes the magic part: add your uncooked pasta directly into the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and add the Italian seasoning. Stir everything so it’s well combined. The pasta will cook right in the broth and soak up all that flavor—no need to drain or dirty another pot.

Stir in the Greens

Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add in the spinach or kale and stir until wilted. If you’re using kale, you might want to chop it a bit finer so it cooks faster.

Simmer and Cook the Pasta

Let the whole thing simmer uncovered for about 10-12 minutes (or follow your pasta package instructions). Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom. You’ll notice the broth reducing and becoming more like a silky sauce.

Adjust Seasonings

Once the pasta is tender and the broth has mostly cooked down, taste and season with salt and pepper. Be mindful—some sausages and broth are salty already. Taste as you go.

Serve and Garnish

Take it off the heat and let it sit for a minute or two. Serve hot, and if you like, top with grated Parmesan cheese. You could even drizzle a bit of extra olive oil for richness or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Want more one-pan magic? You’ll love Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo or our zesty Tomato Zucchini Shrimp Pasta—both are total weeknight winners.

What to Serve with Chicken Apple Sausage One Pan Pasta

This dish is pretty much a full meal, but if you want to round it out, a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette is always a good move. The freshness balances out the richness of the sausage and pasta. If you’re leaning into comfort food vibes, pair it with some warm garlic bread or a side of roasted broccoli. Want to keep things light? Try a tangy slaw like this Easy Mango Slaw for a tropical twist. And let’s be honest, a glass of white wine or a sparkling apple cider pairs beautifully too. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or you’re feeding a hungry crowd, this pasta doesn’t need much to shine—but it plays well with others if you want to get a little extra.

Key Tips for Making Chicken Apple Sausage One Pan Pasta

Use a deep, nonstick skillet or sauté pan—this dish needs room to breathe. Pre-slice your sausage and veggies to save time. You can even prep everything the night before and just toss it all in when you’re ready to cook. Want it creamier? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese right at the end. If you’re short on chicken broth, water with a bouillon cube works just fine. Keep an eye on the pasta while it cooks—if it starts to stick or the liquid evaporates too quickly, just add a little more broth. Don’t skip the final seasoning—especially the salt check. Some sausages are salty and some are mild, so always taste before you season. Lastly, don’t stress if it looks too brothy at first. It’ll thicken as it cools slightly and the pasta continues to absorb the liquid.

Storage and Reheating Tips Chicken Apple Sausage One Pan Pasta

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store your Chicken Apple Sausage One Pan Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats like a champ—just splash in a bit of chicken broth or water before microwaving to bring it back to life. Microwave in 60-second bursts, stirring in between. On the stovetop, reheat over medium heat with a little extra broth. It may even taste better the next day once all those flavors really settle in. Freezing isn’t the best move here, since pasta tends to get mushy once thawed. But if you do want to freeze it, undercook the pasta slightly and skip the spinach. Add fresh greens when you reheat to keep things vibrant and not soggy. And yes, you can totally meal-prep this ahead for the week—it travels well and makes for a seriously satisfying lunch.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of sausage? Absolutely. Turkey sausage, spicy Italian, or even plant-based sausage can work. Just choose one with bold flavor.
Can I use gluten-free pasta? Yes! Just adjust the cooking time and keep an eye on the liquid—it may absorb differently.
What if I don’t have chicken broth? Use vegetable broth or even water with a bouillon cube. You might need to adjust the seasoning a bit.
Is it spicy? Not at all. Chicken apple sausage is usually mild, making it great for kids and spice-shy eaters.
Can I add cheese? 100%. Parmesan or even mozzarella stirred in at the end can make it extra creamy and indulgent.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Apple Sausage One Pan Pasta is the kind of dish that works hard so you don’t have to. It’s hearty, fast, family-friendly, and full of flavor with just one pan to wash. Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding picky kids, or hosting friends, it delivers comfort without the chaos. Want more easy meals that skip the stress? Try our Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole or BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese for your next weeknight win. Trust me—your future self (and your dishpan hands) will thank you.

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