Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
To create this dish, gather the following ingredients:
- For the Sausage & Pasta:
- 1 lb smoked beef sausage, sliced
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, rigatoni, or penne)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water slurry
- For Garnish:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley or basil
- Extra red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage slices and sauté until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes for the honey garlic sauce.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the pasta and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
- Step 4: Stir the honey garlic sauce into the skillet. Add the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Step 5: Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet. Toss to coat the sausage and pasta evenly in the sticky sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Step 6: Top with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and additional red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! You can substitute the smoked beef sausage with chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based sausage.
2. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Use vegetable broth and replace the sausage with vegetarian sausage or skip it altogether. You can add more vegetables instead!
3. Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the honey garlic sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
4. Is this dish spicy? Can I adjust the heat?
The heat level can be adjusted by varying the amount of red pepper flakes. Omit them completely for a milder dish.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just portion them out and store them in airtight containers.
Conclusion
Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is not just a meal—it’s a culinary experience that takes minimal time and effort to create. With its combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and hearty sausage, it packs a flavorful punch that will please everyone at the table. Try this easy-to-follow recipe tonight, and watch it become a regular in your dinner rotation!