Description
This Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is a delicious and easy one-pan meal that combines savory sausage with a luscious honey garlic sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a quick and flavorful dinner option, featuring a sticky, sweet-savory glaze that coats tender pasta and crispy sausage slices, finished with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta)
Sausage and Sauce
- 1 lb (450 g) sausage, sliced (Italian sausage, smoked sausage, or your preferred type)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to salt the water generously to season the pasta. Once the pasta is al dente (firm to the bite), drain it and set it aside. Don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, which may come in handy later to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced sausage. Brown the sausage on both sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. The goal here is to achieve a nice, crispy outer layer, enhancing the overall texture of the dish. Once browned, transfer the sausage to a plate and set it aside.
- Make the Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce: Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly. Then, pour in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir the mixture well, allowing the ingredients to combine into a smooth sauce. Next, add the chicken broth and bring the sauce to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 2-3 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken. If you’re a fan of a little spice, toss in the red pepper flakes at this stage for a gentle kick.
- Reintroduce the Sausage and Pasta: Once the sauce has thickened, add the browned sausage back into the skillet. Stir to coat the sausage pieces thoroughly in the sticky honey garlic sauce. Let the sausage simmer in the sauce for about 3-4 minutes, ensuring it absorbs all the delicious flavors. Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it with the sausage and sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, this is where you can add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Stir in the butter to give the sauce an extra layer of richness and silkiness.
- Season and Garnish: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. Once you’re happy with the flavor, turn off the heat and garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. If you love cheese, a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan on top adds a wonderful savory note.
Notes
- You can use any short pasta you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli.
- Low sodium soy sauce is recommended to control salt levels.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed for better coating.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds great flavor and texture.
- Feel free to substitute Italian sausage with chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option.
Keywords: honey garlic sausage pasta, one pan pasta dish, quick sausage pasta skillet, easy dinner recipe, sticky honey garlic sauce pasta