Description
This Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is a quick and delicious one-pan meal that combines savory sausage with sweet honey garlic sauce over spaghetti.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 12 ounces smoked or Italian sausage, sliced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt (for pasta water)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil – this is crucial as it flavors the spaghetti during cooking. Once the water is bubbly, add the spaghetti and cook until it reaches an al dente texture, usually around 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining; this will be used later to adjust the sauce’s consistency!
- While your spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced sausage to the skillet and allow it to sear undisturbed for about 6-8 minutes until it’s beautifully browned on both sides. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. This step is vital for enhancing the flavor of the sausage, as the caramelization brings out its natural sweetness.
- In the same skillet used for the sausage, you might need to add a touch more olive oil or a spoon of butter. Then, toss in the minced garlic along with the optional red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds. This step allows the garlic’s aroma to fill your kitchen, setting the stage for the next delicious phase. After the garlic becomes fragrant, add honey and soy sauce to the skillet. Let this mixture bubble and reduce for 1-2 minutes until it’s slightly thickened. Then, stir in the butter until it melts completely, giving it a glossy finish.
- Return the seared sausage back into the skillet, tossing it in the sticky honey-garlic sauce until well coated. Slowly add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet, making sure to consistently toss it all together. If the mixture looks too dry, drizzle in a bit of the reserved pasta water. This will enhance the flavors and help the sauce cling beautifully to the noodles.
- Once everything is well mixed, sprinkle grated parmesan and chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of flavor and color. Give it one final toss to incorporate those toppings, and your dish is ready to be devoured! Serve it promptly for the best taste experience.
Notes
Always taste as you go! Adjust honey and soy sauce based on your preferred level of sweetness and saltiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 25 g