Add 1 cm of water and the sausages to a large pan on medium-high heat. Let simmer until the water boils off and the sausages are about half-cooked. While you're waiting, put a large pot of salted water on high heat for the pasta.

Drop the rotini into the pot of boiling water. Remove the sausages from the pan and cut them into 1/2 cm rings. Return them to the pan along with the apples, shallot, garlic, and a splash of extra virgin olive oil. Fry until the sausages are caramelized and the apples softened but not mushy, about 5 or 6 minutes. Add a couple of pinches of salt and several grinds of freshly cracked black pepper.

Stir the cream into the pan. Drain the pasta and add it, along with a splash of the pasta cooking water. Throw in the basil, then toss.