Chicken Sausage and Apple Rigatoni (Easy 30-Minute Dinner!)

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Busy weeknights call for quick, hearty meals—and this chicken sausage and apple rigatoni delivers. Ready in just 30 minutes, it combines savory chicken sausage with sweet apples, peppers, onions, and rigatoni pasta for a satisfying dinner that tastes like fall in a bowl.

Sauteed chicken sausage, apples and peppers in a pan.

The apples add a touch of natural sweetness that balances beautifully with the sausage and vegetables. Toss it all together in one skillet, sprinkle with parmesan, and dinner is served.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast & family-friendly: On the table in 30 minutes.
One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup required (just a skillet + pasta pot).
Sweet & savory: Apples pair perfectly with sausage.
Seasonal twist: A cozy pasta dish for fall evenings.

Chicken Sausage and Apple Rigatoni

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Chicken sausage and apple rigatoni takes about thirty minutes from start to finish, which means it's a snap to pull together on a busy weeknight!

Ingredients

8 ounces dried rigatoni
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 package chicken sausage links
1 bell pepper, sliced
2 gala apples, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 cup chicken stock
1/2 cup pasta water
2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
1/2 cup parmesan (for garnish)

Instructions

Set a large pot of water with 2 tablespoons of salt to boil on the stove. Add the rigatoni and cook it for 10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain your rigatoni.
Meanwhile, add the olive oil to a large skillet and warm it over medium-high heat. Add the sausages, searing them for 1-2 minutes on each side until they're browned evenly. Remove them to a plate to rest.
Reduce the heat to medium, and add the apples, peppers and onions. Sprinkle them with 1 teaspoon sea salt, the garlic powder, pepper and red pepper flakes, and saute them for 5 minutes or until everything begins to soften.
Slice the sausages, and toss them with the veggies in the skillet. Pour in the chicken stock and the pasta water, increase the heat to medium-high to bring it to a simmer. Add the cooked rigatoni and parsley to the skillet and toss them with the apples, veggies and sausage, and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
Serve with crusty bread and parmesan.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 Amount Per Serving: Calories: 309Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 972mgCarbohydrates: 32gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 15g

Choosing the Right Apples

Gala apples bring a mild sweetness that balances the savory sausage. But don’t stop there—try Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady for a slightly different flavor. Tart Granny Smiths also work if you like more contrast.

Diced apples on a cutting board with onions.

Tips for Success

Brown the sausage well: A good sear adds flavor.
Don’t skip pasta water: The starch helps the sauce cling to the rigatoni.
Leave the peels on: For more texture and color (but peel if you prefer).
Finish with parmesan: Adds richness and ties the flavors together.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store in airtight containers up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended (apples lose texture).
Reheat: Warm in skillet with a splash of stock or water to loosen.

Plate of chicken sausage and apple rigatoni, ready in under thirty minutes.

FAQs

Can I use pork sausage instead of chicken?

Yes! Pork sausage works just as well, though it’s richer.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Swap rigatoni with your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Can I meal prep this?

Yes—cook everything ahead and store separately. Toss together when reheating.

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