Sheet Pan Meal

True wisdom lies in gathering the precious things out of each day as it goes by E.S. Bouton

Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Meal with Roasted Veggies and Couscous

Cook's Notes: A healthier alternative to traditional sausage when using Aidells Chicken and Apple Sausage. They are gluten and nitrate free with no added hormones. Some delicious add-ins include: butternut squash, sweet potatoes and broccoli. Serve the entree with a side of Parmesan Garlic Couscous or your favorite rice. It's an Ever Ready Special that serves 4.
Cooking Tips: I added the broccoli in the last 5 minutes of cooking time with dried cranberries. This avoids the broccoli getting mushy being overcooked. Reserve one teaspoon of the olive oil /syrup/spices to toss with broccoli. Quartered Brussels sprouts can substitute for broccoli but will need the full cooking time with butternut squash cubes and sweet potatoes. 

Ingredients: 

• 2  tablespoons olive oil 
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon each thyme, parsley, rosemary, cinnamon 
• 1 package (12 oz.) chicken and apple smoked sausage such as Aidells. Each link cut into fifths.  
• 2 cups each broccoli florets and diced sweet potatoes
• 1 cup butternut squash, cubed
• 1/2 large red onion, cut into slices
• 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
• 1 large or 2 small Honeycrisp apples, diced or another crisp apple (could substitute 2 Bosc pears)
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries or cherries
• Optional 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone pad.  
• In a bowl whisk together olive, maple syrup and spices. Reserve 1 teaspoon of liquid for broccoli.
• Add sweet potatoes, butternut squash cubes, sausage links, red onion chunks, garlic and diced apples. Mix well and spread mixture out on a baking sheet. 
• Roast vegetables and apples until tender 15 minutes. Mix broccoli florets and cranberries or cherries with reserved liquid. Cook 7 minutes longer.