Caramelized Onion, Apple, and Sausage Pasta
Once you try this caramelized onion, apple, and sausage pasta, you’ll see why it’s such a satisfying combination. It’s a great way to sneak in some fruit into a savory dish, and it’s a fantastic option when you want something comforting but with a little twist.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Large pot
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting board
- Colander
- Grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 12 oz 340g pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
- 1 lb 450g sausage (Italian, spicy or mild, casings removed)
- 2 large onions thinly sliced
- 2 medium apples peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine, optional
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp fresh
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes).
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once cooked, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water and then drain the rest using a colander. Set pasta aside.
- Pro Tip: Save some pasta water — it’s great for loosening the sauce later and helps it stick better to the noodles.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
- Cook slowly, stirring every few minutes, for about 25-30 minutes until the onions turn a deep golden brown and become sweet and soft.
- If the onions start sticking or drying out, add a splash of water to deglaze the pan.
- Pro Tip: Be patient here — low and slow is the key to perfectly caramelized onions that add rich sweetness.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
- In a separate pan (or after removing the onions), heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat if needed.
Step 4: Sauté the Apples and Garlic
- Add the diced apples to the pan with the caramelized onions. Cook for 4-5 minutes until they soften but still hold their shape.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Combine and Build the Sauce
- Return the cooked sausage to the onion and apple mixture.
- Pour in the chicken broth or white wine (if using) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Stir in the dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let everything simmer gently for 3-4 minutes so the flavors meld together.
Step 6: Toss Pasta and Finish
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the mixture feels dry or thick.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta evenly.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
- Divide the pasta into bowls or plates.
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Estimated Nutritional Value (per serving)
- Calories: ~580–650 kcal
- Protein: ~22–25g
- Fat: ~28–32g
- Carbohydrates: ~60–65g
- Fiber: ~5g
- Sugar: ~10–12g
- Sodium: ~800–1000mg