Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is a delightful dish that combines savory sausage with a sweet and sticky sauce. The mixture of honey and garlic brings a unique flavor that makes this pasta dish stand out. It’s not only quick to prepare, but it also offers a hearty meal that can please the whole family. Whether you are cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this dish is sure to be a hit.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet. Firstly, it is simple and quick. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes. The combination of honey and garlic adds a sweet and savory flavor that everyone will love. Additionally, you can customize this dish with different types of sausages or pasta to fit your preferences. It’s a versatile recipe that is perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends.
How to Make Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 lb sausage (Italian or your choice)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a pot of water. Add a pinch of salt to the water for taste. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add your choice of sausage to the skillet. Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes or until it is browned and thoroughly cooked. Make sure to break the sausage into smaller pieces if you prefer.
Add Garlic: After the sausage is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir it in and cook for about 1 minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Combine Sauce Ingredients: Now it’s time to make the sauce. Pour in 1/4 cup of honey and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce into the skillet. If you like a bit of heat, you can also add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. You want the sauce to thicken slightly.
Toss the Pasta: Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Gently toss it in the sauce, making sure all the pasta is well coated. This step is key for the best flavor!
Season and Heat Through: Taste your dish, then season it with salt and pepper according to your preference. Let it cook for an extra 2 minutes to heat everything through properly.
Serve and Garnish: Finally, serve the pasta hot right from the skillet. Top it off with some fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
How to Serve Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
Serving Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet can be done in a few delightful ways. You can scoop the pasta directly from the skillet into individual bowls or plates. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a vibrant touch and a hint of freshness. Pair the dish with a side salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal. If you like, you can also add freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
How to Store Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
If you have leftovers, you can store them easily. Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before putting it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out. If you anticipate that you’ll have leftovers, consider undercooking the pasta slightly; this way, when reheating, it won’t become mushy.
Tips to Make Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
Use Quality Sausage: The type of sausage you use can greatly influence the flavor of the dish. Fresh, high-quality sausages usually provide the best taste. Experiment with different flavors, such as spicy or sweet Italian sausage.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will continue to cook a little in the skillet with the sauce, it’s best to cook it just until al dente.
Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey and soy sauce based on your taste. If you prefer it sweeter, add more honey. For a saltier taste, increase the soy sauce.
Add Vegetables: To make this dish healthier, consider adding some vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. Just sauté them along with the sausage and garlic for a colorful addition.
Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve this pasta dish immediately after cooking. If you let it sit too long, the sauce may thicken further, and the pasta may absorb too much of it.
Variation
While this recipe is fantastic on its own, you can give it a twist if you’re feeling creative. Here are a few variations worth trying:
- Add Cheese: Mix in some mozzarella or feta cheese at the end for a creamy, cheesy version.
- Use Different Pastas: If you’re in the mood for something unique, swap the penne or fusilli for different types of pasta like farfalle or even gluten-free options.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian take, use plant-based sausage options available in stores. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
- Asian Fusion: Incorporate some vegetables like bok choy or snap peas and serve with sesame seeds on top for a slightly different twist.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep some components ahead of time, such as cooking the sausage and chopping the garlic. Just assemble and cook when you’re ready to eat.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
If spicy food is not your thing, feel free to leave out the red pepper flakes entirely. The dish will still be delicious without the added heat.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Just place the cooled pasta in an airtight container. It is best consumed within 2 months for optimal flavor.
What can I serve with this dish?
This pasta dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some crusty bread. You can also add a simple garlic bread for an even heartier meal.
With its sweet and savory flavors, Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is a standout dish that will become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re cooking for family or surprise guests, this easy recipe is sure to impress!
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Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A delightful pasta dish combining savory sausage with a sweet and sticky honey garlic sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 lb sausage (Italian or your choice)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil a pot of water, add a pinch of salt, and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the sausage until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in honey and soy sauce, and add red pepper flakes if desired. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat with the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For added flavor, consider mixing in vegetables like bell peppers or spinach while cooking the sausage and garlic.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: pasta, sausage, honey garlic, quick meal, skillet dinner