Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta: Sticky & Delicious Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that effortlessly combines savory, sweet, and garlicky flavors in one skillet, then this Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta is a must-try. Picture this: smoky sausage, al dente pasta, and a luscious honey garlic sauce all coming together to create a meal that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a dinner that will have your family coming back for seconds.

The magic of this Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta lies in the way the flavors meld together, coating each strand of pasta and every slice of sausage in a sticky, glossy glaze. The hint of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, allowing you to tailor the heat to suit your taste. Best of all, this recipe comes together in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze and ensuring that every bite is infused with that irresistible sauce. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with this mouthwatering fusion of Italian and Asian-inspired flavors.

Quick Benefits

• Effortless Cleanup: One-pan wonder for minimal cleanup.
• Versatile Ingredients: Easily customizable with different sausages and pasta shapes.
• Family Favorite: Craveable flavors that appeal to all age groups.
• Make Ahead: Leftovers store well and can be reheated without losing flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta: Sticky & Delicious Recipe Recipe

• Big Flavor, Minimal Cleanup: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal effort and cleanup, making it ideal for quick and satisfying meals.
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything comes together in a single skillet, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and ensuring that every bite is infused with the irresistible honey garlic sauce.
• Versatile Sausage Options: Whether you prefer spicy Andouille or a milder turkey sausage, this recipe accommodates various taste preferences, allowing you to customize the dish to your liking.
• Family-Friendly Dish: Loved by both kids and adults, the gentle sweetness of honey in the glossy sauce makes this meal a hit with the whole family, creating a comforting and satisfying experience.
• Make Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to four days and frozen for future enjoyment, making it a convenient option for meal prep and easy reheating whenever you need a quick and delicious meal.
• Customizable Ingredients: With options for gluten-free pasta, alternative soy sauce choices, and lighter dairy substitutions, you can adapt the recipe to accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
• Flavorful Fusion: This dish offers a modern twist on classic Italian sausage pasta by incorporating Asian-inspired flavors, creating a unique fusion that appeals to a wide range of palates and adds an exciting flair to traditional comfort food.
• Balanced Heat: The red pepper flakes add a mild spicy kick that can be adjusted to suit your taste, providing just the right amount of heat to enhance the overall flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.
• Rich and Creamy Sauce: The addition of heavy cream and a cornstarch slurry results in a luscious, glossy sauce that clings to the pasta, creating a luxurious texture that elevates the dish to a restaurant-quality meal.
• Garnish with Freshness: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan, fresh herbs like parsley or basil, and extra red pepper flakes for a burst of flavor and a visually appealing finish that adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta: Sticky & Delicious Recipe

Sausage & Pasta

• 450 g smoked sausage, sliced into coins (such as Andouille or kielbasa)
• 480 ml low sodium chicken broth
• 15 ml olive oil
• 225 g dried pasta (spaghetti, rigatoni, or penne)
• 120 ml heavy cream

Honey Garlic Sauce

• 60 ml low sodium soy sauce
• 15 ml apple cider vinegar
• 8 g cornstarch
• 30 ml water
• 80 ml honey
• 2.5 ml red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Garnish

• Chopped parsley or basil
• 25 g Parmesan cheese, grated
• Additional red pepper flakes (optional)

Pro Tips for Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta: Sticky & Delicious Recipe

For a flavorful twist, try using spicy andouille sausage for a kick of heat, or opt for a milder turkey sausage if you prefer a lighter taste. Experiment with different pasta shapes like rigatoni or penne to find your favorite that absorbs the honey garlic sauce beautifully. Don’t shy away from adding extra red pepper flakes for more heat, or omit them altogether for a milder version that suits your taste buds.

To lighten up the dish, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk for a less rich but still creamy sauce. When reheating leftovers, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the sauce’s consistency. For a gluten-free option, use rice pasta or your preferred gluten-free noodle to enjoy this sticky honey garlic sausage pasta skillet without compromising on flavor or texture.

Garnish each serving generously with fresh grated Parmesan, chopped basil or parsley, and a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes for added flavor and color. Serve this dish as a standalone meal or pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a balanced and satisfying dinner. Embrace the fusion of Italian and Asian influences in this recipe, where smoky sausage meets a sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce, creating a comforting and flavorful dish that appeals to a wide range of palates and ages.

How to Make Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta: Sticky & Delicious Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage in a single layer and sear for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and crisp. Remove sausage using a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 2: Whisk the Honey Garlic Sauce

As the sausage is cooking, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and honey is completely dissolved. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet without cleaning it. Stir to scrape up any browned bits, then add dried pasta. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring frequently, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the skillet and simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the browned sausage back to the skillet with pasta and sauce. Toss for 1–2 minutes until heated through and evenly coated. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve topped with Parmesan, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta, allow any leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. The dish can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but you can easily refresh it by adding a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating. To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until thoroughly heated.

For longer storage, you can also freeze portions of the dish in freezer bags or containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen pasta in the refrigerator overnight and then gently reheat it on the stovetop. This method preserves the flavors and textures of the dish well. Whether you’re enjoying the leftovers or planning for future meals, proper storage and reheating techniques will help maintain the delicious flavors and textures of this flavorful skillet dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the sausage, feel free to experiment with different types like spicy andouille for extra heat or a mild turkey sausage for a lighter flavor profile. Adjust the seasonings accordingly to suit your preferences.

When it comes to pasta options, spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni are all excellent choices that absorb the flavorful sauce effectively and hold up well during the skillet cooking process.

If you are looking to lighten the dish, consider substituting the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk for a less rich texture. This modification retains the creamy element while reducing the overall richness.

For those with dietary restrictions, you can opt for gluten-free alternatives such as rice pasta or any preferred gluten-free noodle to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Feel free to customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes used or omitting them entirely for a milder flavor profile. This allows you to tailor the dish to your preferred level of heat.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try plating the Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta in individual mini cast-iron skillets for a charming and rustic presentation. Top each skillet with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor. Serve these adorable skillets straight from the oven to the table for a cozy and inviting family-style meal experience.

Another fun way to serve this dish is to create a DIY pasta bar for a casual gathering with friends. Set out bowls of cooked pasta, sliced smoked sausage, and the sticky honey garlic sauce in separate bowls. Let guests customize their pasta bowls with their preferred amount of sauce, sausage, and additional toppings like grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs. This interactive and customizable setup adds a playful element to the meal and allows everyone to tailor their dish to their taste preferences.

FAQs for Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta: Sticky & Delicious Recipe

Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?

Absolutely! Andouille, kielbasa, or your favorite smoked sausage work well. Adjust seasonings if desired for milder or spicier results.

What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni all soak up the sauce beautifully and hold up to the skillet cooking process.

Is this dish very spicy?

It’s mildly spicy from red pepper flakes, but you can easily reduce or omit them for a milder flavor profile.

Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter option?

Half-and-half or evaporated milk can be used for a lighter texture, though the sauce may be less rich.

Conclusion

When it comes to comfort food that brings the family together, Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta is a winner every time. The sticky, glossy sauce paired with the flavorful sausage and pasta create a dish that is sure to become a household favorite. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, allowing you to customize it to suit your taste preferences.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress your guests, Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta is a must-try. The blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. So, grab your skillet and ingredients, and get ready to indulge in a satisfying and delicious meal that is guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face.

So why wait? Whip up a batch of Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta today and savor every bite of this delectable fusion of flavors. From the first twirl of pasta to the last savory sausage slice, this dish is sure to leave you feeling full, happy, and content. Enjoy the process of cooking and sharing this delightful meal with your loved ones – it’s a culinary experience you’ll want to repeat again and again.