Hearty Stir-Fry
Hearty stir-fry combines savory pork sausage with crisp cabbage, sweet apple, and melty cheeses for a comforting, flavorful dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it offers a satisfying mix of textures and tastes, appealing to those who enjoy rich, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 package (1 lb.) Creamettes spaghetti ⓘ
- 1 lb. bulk pork sausage ⓘ
- 4 cups thinly sliced cabbage
- 1 medium onion, cut into wedges ⓘ
- 1 medium apple, cut into wedges and halved ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 jar (2 oz.) sliced pimento, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground sage ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare spaghetti according to package directions; drain.
- In a medium skillet, cook sausage until no longer pink.
- Drain, reserving 2 tablespoons of drippings.
- Add cabbage, onion, apple, and garlic to the skillet.
- Stir-fry just until tender.
- Stir in salt, sliced pimento, crushed red pepper, and ground sage.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet.
- Cook and stir until hot.
- Remove from heat.
- Add shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses; toss to mix.
- Arrange on a warm serving platter.
- Garnish as desired and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, consider substituting turkey sausage for the pork sausage. You can also swap the Monterey Jack cheese for Gouda for a different flavor profile. If you prefer more vegetables, add bell peppers or snap peas during stir-frying. Make sure not to overcook the cabbage to maintain a bit of crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty stir-fry pairs wonderfully with a simple side of Cauliflower Lettuce Salad for freshness. You could also serve it alongside crusty bread or over a bed of steamed rice for a more filling meal. For an added kick, consider garnishing with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water to prevent it from drying out during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Stir-Fry contains roughly 451 calories, with 23g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (93% of the Daily Value), protein (46% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2696mg per serving (117% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this stir-fry?
Yes, you can substitute the spaghetti with other pasta types such as penne or even rice noodles. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the pork sausage with a plant-based sausage or skip it entirely. Increase the amount of cabbage and add tofu or tempeh for added protein and texture.
What can I do if I don't have pimento?
If pimento is unavailable, you can use chopped roasted red peppers or even diced jalapeños for a spicy twist. Both alternatives will add flavor and color to the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).