This Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is a fun, quick meal that brings the best of sweet and savory to your plate. Juicy sausage, pasta, and a tasty honey garlic sauce come together in one pan!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I really enjoy using linguine for this dish, but fettuccine will work just as well. If you’re gluten-free, choose a gluten-free pasta blend. Whole wheat pasta is a healthier choice, adding extra fiber to your meal.
Italian Sausage: You can use either mild or spicy sausage based on your taste. If you prefer a lighter option, chicken or turkey sausage is a great substitute. For a vegetarian twist, try meatless sausage crumbles!
Honey: This adds sweetness to the dish. Maple syrup can serve as a good alternative if you’re out of honey. Brown sugar mixed with a bit of water can also work in a pinch!
Cherry Tomatoes: They add nice bursts of flavor. If you can’t find them, diced canned tomatoes or regular tomatoes chopped into chunks will work well. Avoid big, juicy tomatoes; they’ll get too mushy.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for this recipe. If you have kale or even frozen spinach, they can also make a good substitute. Just make sure to adjust cooking times for frozen spinach to allow for thawing!
How Do I Get the Sausage Perfectly Browned and Flavorful?
Getting that rich, caramelized flavor from the sausage is key. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the skillet and use moderate heat to prevent burning while cooking.
- Add the sausage slices in a single layer, allowing them room to brown without crowding. That helps them caramelize better!
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side before flipping, and make sure to brown both sides well.
This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful texture to your dish. Don’t rush this step—it’s worth the time!
Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Sausage:
- 12 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
Vegetables:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Seasonings and Toppings:
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Liquid:
- 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth (for cooking pasta in skillet)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 25 minutes to prepare from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the sausage and vegetables, and about 10 minutes for the pasta to cook in the skillet. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced sausage and cook until it’s nicely browned and caramelized on both sides, which should take about 3-4 minutes for each side. After browning, take the sausage out of the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Using the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Then, add in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook them for around 2 minutes until they start to soften.
3. Make the Sauce:
Now, stir in the honey, soy sauce, and optional red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This sauce will create the sticky goodness for your pasta!
4. Add the Pasta:
Carefully add the uncooked pasta to the skillet along with the 3 cups of water or chicken broth. Stir everything together to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Combine with Sausage and Spinach:
After the pasta is cooked, bring back the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add in the fresh spinach and gently toss everything together, allowing the spinach to wilt nicely.
6. Season and Serve:
Finish by seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Then, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
8. Dig In!
Serve this delicious sticky honey garlic sausage pasta skillet immediately. Enjoy the wonderful blend of sweet and savory flavors!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While I recommend linguine or fettuccine, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne or spaghetti. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as different types of pasta may vary.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes! You can also mix in some chopped fresh chili or a dash of hot sauce when you add the honey and soy sauce.
Can I Store Leftovers, and How Should I Do It?
Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Warm it in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
What Can I Use as a Substitute for Honey?
If you’re out of honey, maple syrup is a great alternative. You can also make a mix of brown sugar with a little water for a similar sweetness. Just keep in mind that the flavor will slightly differ!
