Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
A quick and easy dish combining savory sausage, sweet honey, and garlic, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sausage
- 12 oz 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta) Use your favorite short pasta
- 1 lb 1 lb (450 g) sausage, sliced (Italian sausage, smoked sausage, or your preferred type) Customize flavor with your favorite type of sausage
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing sausage
- 3 cloves 3 cloves garlic, minced For flavor
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey Adds sweetness
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce Low sodium recommended
- 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar For acidity
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth For sauce base
- 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional for heat
- 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon butter To enhance sauce richness
- 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped For garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste To season
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional) Adds savory flavor
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in salted water. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Sauté the Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and brown on both sides for about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. Add honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar, stirring well.
- Add chicken broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce. If desired, add red pepper flakes.
Combine Ingredients
- Return the browned sausage to the skillet and simmer for 3-4 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sausage and sauce. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick, and stir in butter.
Season and Serve
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and serve hot. Optional: top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave, adding water or broth if needed. Customize by adding vegetables or using different pasta types.