Description
This Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring savory Italian sausage coated in a sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that combines the comforting heartiness of pasta with the bold flavors of honey, garlic, and a touch of soy sauce for a deliciously sticky sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Sauce
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casing removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti works well)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Heat the Oil: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the sausage.
- Cook the Sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt, stirring continuously.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Lower the heat to medium and pour in honey, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar (if using), red pepper flakes (if desired), ground black pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken and become sticky.
- Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything until the pasta is fully coated with the sticky honey garlic sauce and sausage mixture.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta for a fresh and savory finish.
- Serve: Serve the pasta skillet immediately while hot and enjoy this deliciously sticky and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, use spicy Italian sausage and include the red pepper flakes.
- If balsamic vinegar is not available, you can omit it or substitute with a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
- Feel free to swap the pasta shape based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a wonderful depth of flavor and creaminess.
