If you’re looking for an easy new pasta dish for family dinner, this sausage pasta recipe is tried and tested with kids. It comes together quickly, which makes it a great option for midweek meals when you’re busy and short on time.
The recipe was passed on by a friend with four kids of her own, and it got a full five out of five when tested on a family of four — clean plates all round. It also made enough sauce and pasta for two extra lunch portions the next day, so it’s worth doubling up if you like having leftovers ready to go.
One tip before you start: keep the heat gentle when frying the onions and apples. They should soften, not brown.
Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
- Sausages, 1–3 per person depending on child or adult portions
- 1 onion, peeled, cut in half, then sliced
- 3 apples, peeled and chopped into chunks
- 1 tsp mixed herbs
- 2 cans chopped tomatoes
- 1 can butter beans
- 500g pasta of your choice — penne, farfalle or shells all work well with this sauce
Method
1. Gently fry the sausages until browned in a large saucepan. A little butter can help prevent sticking and encourage even browning.
2. Remove the browned sausages from the pan and cover to keep warm. Gently fry the onions and apples with the mixed herbs until softened — don’t let them brown.
3. Return the sausages to the pan, then add the tomatoes and butter beans. Bring to the boil, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions.
5. To serve, add the drained pasta to a warmed serving dish and pour the sausages and sauce over the top.
Tips from Jill’s friend
- Don’t slice the sausages — they tend to break up a little during cooking anyway, and it’s nicer to have a bit of bite to them when you serve.
- It holds and reheats well. If the kids are eating at different times because of activities, you can cook a fresh batch of pasta and simply reheat the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes — this recipe works with most sausage varieties, so feel free to use whatever your family prefers, including pork, chicken or a plant-based alternative.
Can I make this ahead of time?
The sauce reheats well, which makes it handy for busy evenings. Cook a fresh batch of pasta when you’re ready to serve and reheat the sausage and sauce mixture separately.
Can I leave out the apples?
The apples add a subtle sweetness that balances the tomato sauce, but you can leave them out if you prefer a more traditional sausage pasta bake.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
The sausage and sauce mixture freezes reasonably well on its own. It’s best to cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to eat rather than freezing it together with the sauce.
You May Also Enjoy
If this one goes down well, try Rachel Allen’s Fish Pie Recipe — another tried-and-tested family favourite that’s simple enough for a weeknight but feels a little special.
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