Description
Sizzling sticky honey garlic sausage pasta skillet brings Italian-inspired comfort to your dinner table. Savory sausage mingles with sweet honey and garlic, creating a perfectly balanced meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) Italian sausage (casings removed)
Pasta and Aromatics:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne or spaghetti)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Crumble sausage into the pan, breaking into small pieces while cooking for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Introduce minced garlic to the sausage, stirring quickly to prevent burning. Sauté for 45-60 seconds until aromatic and lightly golden.
- Create a vibrant sauce by whisking honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes directly into the skillet. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the mixture to reduce and develop a glossy, caramelized consistency.
- Fold the cooked pasta into the skillet, gently tossing to ensure complete sauce coverage. If the mixture seems dry, incorporate a splash of reserved pasta water to help distribute the sauce evenly.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Sprinkle with finely chopped parsley and optional grated Parmesan cheese for added depth of flavor.
- Transfer to serving plates immediately while the dish remains hot and sauce remains glossy. Serve as a quick, satisfying meal that combines savory and sweet elements.
Notes
- Opt for high-quality Italian sausage with robust flavor to elevate the dish’s overall taste profile.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal spice tolerance, adding gradually for controlled heat level.
- Drain pasta slightly before final cooking to allow sauce to cling better and create more cohesive texture.
- Consider using gluten-free pasta and tamari sauce for a celiac-friendly alternative without compromising flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 627 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg