INTRODUCTION
Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta is a delightful dish that combines savory sausage, a rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe packs a punch of flavors that are both sweet and savory, making it a favorite for dinner. The texture of the sausage mixed with the creaminess of the sauce and the chewiness of the pasta creates a satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, this dish is sure to impress.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
There are many reasons you will love this Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta. First, it is incredibly easy to make. You can have this dish ready in about 30 minutes. The ingredients are simple and often found in your kitchen. The combination of honey and garlic gives the sauce a unique flavor. Plus, the smoked sausage adds a nice touch of smokiness that pairs well with the sweetness of the honey.
Another reason for loving this recipe is that it is versatile. You can use different types of pasta or sausage according to your preference. You can even adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes. This recipe is also perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week, making your life easier.
HOW TO MAKE Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta
Making Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta is quite easy. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large deep skillet
- Slotted spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Small bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 450 g smoked sausage, sliced into coins (such as Andouille or kielbasa)
- 225 g dried pasta (spaghetti, rigatoni, or penne)
- 15 ml olive oil
- 480 ml low sodium chicken broth
- 120 ml heavy cream
- 80 ml honey
- 60 ml low sodium soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 15 ml apple cider vinegar
- 2.5 ml red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
- 8 g cornstarch
- 30 ml water
- 25 g Parmesan cheese, grated
- Chopped parsley or basil
- Additional red pepper flakes (optional)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
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Heat the Oil: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
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Cook the Sausage: Arrange the sliced sausage in a single layer in the skillet. Sear the sausage while stirring occasionally for about 5–7 minutes until it is deeply browned with crisp edges.
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Set Aside Sausage: Once browned, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside in a bowl.
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Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth, and the honey is fully dissolved.
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Cook the Pasta: Without cleaning the skillet, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir the mixture, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, then add the dried pasta. Bring everything to a gentle boil, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the pasta for about 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
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Thicken the Sauce: Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the skillet. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir this slurry into the skillet and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, mixing frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
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Combine Everything: Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Toss everything together for about 1–2 minutes, ensuring the sausage is heated through and the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
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Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Before serving, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and extra red pepper flakes if desired.
HOW TO SERVE Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta
Serve Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta warm, directly from the skillet. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil on top. This dish goes well with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad. A glass of white wine can enhance the meal even more.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta
If you have leftovers, you can store the Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3–4 days. To reheat, simply place the pasta in a skillet with a little bit of chicken broth or water to add moisture, and warm it over medium heat until heated through.
If you want to freeze the pasta, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the pasta in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned above.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Consider serving this pasta dish with some crusty bread on the side. A nice garden salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the flavors of the pasta. You might also pair it with roasted vegetables for a healthier option.
If you like it spicy, serve with extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce on the side. It’s all about making the meal perfect for your taste!
VARIATIONS
You can customize Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta in many ways. Here are a few options to consider:
- Different Proteins: Use chicken, shrimp, or even a plant-based sausage for a different flavor.
- Alternative Sauces: Try adding a dash of barbecue sauce or hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Vegetables: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
- Pasta Choices: Switch out the pasta type; try whole wheat or gluten-free options as needed.
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of sausage for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any smoked sausage you prefer, such as kielbasa or Italian sausage.
2. Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk.
3. How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on how much red pepper flakes you add. You can adjust it based on your taste.
4. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and make the sauce in advance. Just cook the pasta and combine them on the day you plan to serve it.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta
To make your cooking experience smoother, you can prepare some components ahead of time. Here are some tips:
- Pre-cut the Ingredients: Slice the sausage and mince the garlic in advance. Store them in the fridge until you are ready to cook.
- Mix the Sauce: Whisk together the honey garlic sauce and keep it in the fridge for up to a day ahead of time.
- Cook the Pasta Ahead: If you want to save even more time, cook the pasta a little before the meal, then cool it down and mix it quickly with the final ingredients before serving.
Following these tips ensures your Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta will come together easily on the night you serve it!
Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Arrange the sliced sausage in a single layer in the skillet. Sear the sausage while stirring occasionally for about 5–7 minutes until it is deeply browned with crisp edges.
- Once browned, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside in a bowl.
- In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth, and the honey is fully dissolved.
- Without cleaning the skillet, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir the mixture, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, then add the dried pasta. Bring everything to a gentle boil, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the pasta for about 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the skillet. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir this slurry into the skillet and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, mixing frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Toss everything together for about 1–2 minutes, ensuring the sausage is heated through and the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Before serving, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and extra red pepper flakes if desired.