One-Pan Chicken Apple Sausage with Cabbage: A Delicious and Healthy Weeknight Meal

Looking for a quick, easy, and healthy weeknight dinner? Look no further than this one-pan chicken apple sausage with cabbage recipe! It’s packed with flavor, requires minimal cleanup, and is a great way to get your veggies in. The sweetness of the apples in the sausage complements the savory cabbage perfectly, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **One-Pan Wonder:** Everything cooks in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze.
* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Healthy and Delicious:** Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables or spices.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses affordable ingredients that are readily available.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Chicken Apple Sausage:** Use your favorite brand of chicken apple sausage. I prefer the pre-cooked kind for convenience, but raw sausage will work too, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Cabbage:** A head of green cabbage is the traditional choice, but you can also use Savoy or red cabbage. Make sure to remove the outer leaves if they are damaged or wilted.
* **Onion:** A yellow onion provides a savory base for the dish.
* **Apple:** Choose a firm, slightly tart apple like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. The apple adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
* **Olive Oil:** Used for sautéing the vegetables and sausage.
* **Garlic:** Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor.
* **Dijon Mustard:** A little Dijon mustard adds a tangy depth of flavor.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** Brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.
* **Dried Thyme:** Adds a warm and earthy note.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh parsley, chopped chives, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

## Equipment

* Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
* Cutting Board
* Knife
* Measuring Spoons and Cups

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying chicken apple sausage with cabbage:

**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**

* Wash and dry the cabbage, onion, and apple.
* Remove any damaged outer leaves from the cabbage.
* Cut the cabbage in half through the core. Place each half cut-side down on the cutting board and slice thinly into shreds, about 1/4 inch thick.
* Peel and thinly slice the onion.
* Core the apple and cut it into 1/2-inch dice.
* Slice the chicken apple sausage into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
* Mince the garlic.

**Step 2: Sauté the Sausage**

* Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
* Add the sliced chicken apple sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned on both sides. If using raw sausage, cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
* Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic**

* Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. If there are a lot of browned bits from the sausage, leave them; they add great flavor. If there are burnt bits, wipe the pan clean and start with fresh oil.
* Add the sliced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**Step 4: Add the Cabbage and Apple**

* Add the shredded cabbage and diced apple to the skillet.
* Stir well to combine with the onion and garlic.

**Step 5: Season and Simmer**

* Add the Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and dried thyme to the skillet.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the sausage is already seasoned, so start with less salt and add more as needed.
* Stir well to combine.
* Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low.
* Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and slightly wilted, stirring occasionally.

**Step 6: Combine and Serve**

* Return the cooked chicken apple sausage to the skillet.
* Stir gently to combine with the cabbage and apple mixture.
* Heat through for a few minutes.
* Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
* Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley, chopped chives, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired.

## Tips and Variations

* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, carrots, or potatoes. Add heartier vegetables like potatoes and carrots along with the onions so they have time to cook. Add bell peppers a few minutes before the cabbage so they retain some crunch.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
* **Use Different Sausages:** While chicken apple sausage is the star of this dish, you can also use other types of sausage, such as kielbasa or Italian sausage. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the chicken sausage with plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. Look for apple or other fruit-flavored vegan sausages to maintain the flavor profile.
* **Add a Grain:** Serve over rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes for a more complete meal.
* **Make it a Sheet Pan Dinner:** For easier cleanup, you can roast everything on a sheet pan. Toss all the ingredients with olive oil and seasonings, spread in a single layer on a sheet pan, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage is cooked through and the cabbage is tender.
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** If you prefer a less sweet dish, use a tart apple like Granny Smith and reduce the amount of apple. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

## Serving Suggestions

This one-pan chicken apple sausage with cabbage is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

* **Serve with a side of crusty bread:** Perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices.
* **Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt:** Adds a creamy and tangy element.
* **Serve with a side salad:** For a lighter and more refreshing meal.
* **Pair with a crisp white wine:** Such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the flavors of the dish.

## Make Ahead and Storage

* **Make Ahead:** You can chop the vegetables and sausage ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This will save you time when you’re ready to cook.
* **Storage:** Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-450 (depending on sausage and oil used)
* Protein: 25-35g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Fiber: 5-7g

## Recipe Card

**One-Pan Chicken Apple Sausage with Cabbage**

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 25 minutes
**Total Time:** 40 minutes
**Servings:** 4

**Ingredients:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more as needed
* 1 pound chicken apple sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
* 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 medium head green cabbage, shredded
* 1 medium apple (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji), cored and diced
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, chopped chives, red pepper flakes

**Instructions:**

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced chicken apple sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned on both sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the sliced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, or until fragrant.
5. Add the shredded cabbage and diced apple to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Add the Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well.
7. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender, stirring occasionally.
8. Return the cooked chicken apple sausage to the skillet. Stir gently to combine.
9. Heat through for a few minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
10. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley, chopped chives, or red pepper flakes, if desired.

**Notes:**

* Add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
* Use different sausages like kielbasa or Italian sausage.
* Substitute plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
* Serve over rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes.

## Enjoy!

This one-pan chicken apple sausage with cabbage is a flavorful, healthy, and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy the delicious combination of sweet apples, savory sausage, and tender cabbage. Let me know in the comments how you like it! Bon appétit!