Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
This Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet combines al dente pasta with seared sausage in a rich, sweet, and savory honey garlic glaze. Enhanced with soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes, it delivers a quick and flavorful 30-minute meal.
4 Servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta or preferred pasta variety
- 1 pound Italian smoked, or chicken sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce optional
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional; adjust according to preference
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8–10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set it aside without rinsing, to retain the starch for better sauce adhesion.
Sauté the Sausage
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage to the pan and cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and caramelized. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the minced garlic, and sauté for an additional 1 minute, ensuring the garlic becomes fragrant but does not burn.
Prepare the Sauce
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring to combine with the sausage and garlic. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly and evenly coats the sausage.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Using tongs or a spatula, gently toss the pasta with the sausage and sauce until thoroughly coated. If the mixture appears too thick, gradually incorporate the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the pasta with a certified gluten-free variety (such as gluten-free penne or rotini). Additionally, replace the soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative such as tamari or coconut aminos to ensure the dish remains entirely gluten-free.