Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: the sticky honey garlic sausage pasta skillet! It’s like a hug in a bowl. The sweet honey combined with savory soy sauce and the rich flavor of sausage creates this mouthwatering symphony that I just can’t resist. I stumbled upon this dish one busy evening when I needed something quick yet satisfying, and wow, it did not disappoint! Just toss everything in one skillet, and you’ve got a delicious meal ready in no time. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked just like I am!
Ingredients for Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
Gathering these ingredients is super simple, and you might already have some of them in your kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb sausage, sliced (I usually go for Italian sausage, but any flavor you love works!)
- 1/4 cup honey (the star of the sweet and sticky sauce)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (for that umami punch)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (don’t skimp on this, it adds so much flavor!)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the sausage)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference; I like it with a little kick!)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for that fresh garnish at the end)
Make sure to have everything ready to go before you start cooking, as this dish comes together quickly. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
Alright, let’s get cooking! This dish is not only delicious but also super easy to whip up. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a sticky honey garlic sausage pasta skillet that’ll make your taste buds dance!
Cook the Spaghetti
First things first, let’s get that spaghetti going. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil—this helps flavor the pasta. Once the water is bubbling, add in your 8 oz of spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. You want it firm enough to hold up in the skillet. Once it’s done, drain the spaghetti in a colander and set it aside. Make sure not to rinse it, as that will wash away the starch that helps the sauce stick later!
Cook the Sausage
Now, let’s move on to the sausage! In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your sliced sausage—about 1 lb should do! Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s nicely browned. This browning is key, folks; it adds an incredible depth of flavor to your dish, so don’t rush this step!
Make the Sauce
Next, add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage and cook for just 1 minute until fragrant. Then, it’s time to sweeten things up! Pour in 1/4 cup of honey and 1/4 cup of soy sauce, along with 1/4 tsp of red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and let it bubble for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens a bit. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to cling to the sausage—yum!
Combine and Serve
Finally, it’s time to bring it all together! Add your cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything gently until the pasta is coated in that sticky, sweet sauce. Serve it up hot, garnished with 2 chopped green onions for that fresh crunch. And there you have it—a beautiful, comforting meal that’s ready to be devoured!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers behind this delicious sticky honey garlic sausage pasta skillet! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving, which is super helpful if you’re keeping track of what you eat:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 20g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredients used, and they can vary depending on the specific brands or types of sausage and pasta you choose. But hey, knowing this information can help you enjoy your meal even more, right? Happy eating!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore this sticky honey garlic sausage pasta skillet! First off, it’s incredibly quick to prepare—seriously, you can have dinner on the table in about 25 minutes! That makes it perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
The flavor is out of this world! The combination of sweet honey and savory sausage, mixed with the kick from the garlic and red pepper flakes, creates a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. It’s like a party for your taste buds!
Cleanup is a breeze since everything is done in one skillet. No need to deal with a mountain of dishes afterward, which is a total win in my book! Plus, you can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Want to use turkey sausage instead? Go for it! Need it gluten-free? Just grab some gluten-free spaghetti, and you’re good to go!
And let’s not forget how versatile this dish is! It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, but can easily be dressed up for entertaining guests. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be making it on repeat!
Tips for Success
To really nail this sticky honey garlic sausage pasta skillet, I’ve got some pro tips that’ll take your dish from good to absolutely amazing!
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re like me and love a bit of heat, feel free to amp up the red pepper flakes! But if you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce or even skip them altogether. It’s all about your taste buds!
- Get Your Sauce Right: The sauce consistency is key. You want it sticky enough to cling to the pasta but not too thick that it becomes gloopy. If you find it’s too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up. Just be sure to do this gradually!
- Use Quality Ingredients: The type of sausage you choose can really change the flavor profile. I love using high-quality Italian sausage, but you can experiment with spicy, sweet, or even chicken sausage to find your favorite combination!
- Don’t Overcook the Garlic: When adding the minced garlic, keep an eye on it! Garlic can go from perfectly fragrant to burnt in a matter of seconds. Just cook it for about a minute, and you’re golden!
- Garnish Generously: The fresh green onions on top not only add a pop of color but also a wonderful crunch. Don’t skimp on them; they really elevate the dish!
- Make It Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time! Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to bring back that saucy goodness.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be ready to impress everyone at the dinner table. Happy cooking!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
When it comes to making this sticky honey garlic sausage pasta skillet, there’s plenty of room for creativity! Here are some ingredient swaps and options that can work just as well:
- Sausage: The type of sausage you choose can totally change the vibe of the dish! I usually go for Italian sausage, but feel free to use chicken, turkey, or even vegan sausage if you want something lighter or plant-based. Just make sure it’s sliced so it cooks evenly!
- Pasta: While I love using spaghetti, you can easily swap it out for any pasta you have on hand. Penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free spaghetti work beautifully! If you’re using gluten-free pasta, just be sure to cook it according to the package instructions, as the timing can differ.
- Honey: If you’re looking for a different sweetness, maple syrup can be a fantastic substitute for honey. It’ll give the dish a unique flavor twist while still keeping that sticky goodness!
- Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can also try coconut aminos if you’re looking for a soy-free alternative. It’s a bit sweeter and less salty, but it works well in this recipe!
- Garlic: If you’re not a huge fan of fresh garlic, you could use garlic powder instead. Just remember, fresh garlic packs more flavor, so you might need to adjust the amount to your taste.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Not a fan of spice? Leave them out entirely or replace them with a sprinkle of black pepper for a milder kick. Conversely, if you love heat, throw in some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce!
These substitutions allow you to customize the dish to your liking or what you have on hand. So don’t hesitate to mix it up and make it your own! Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! Storing your sticky honey garlic sausage pasta skillet is super easy. Just let it cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days—if it lasts that long, of course!
When it’s time to enjoy those tasty leftovers, I recommend reheating them on the stove for the best flavor and texture. Just add a splash of water or broth to the skillet over medium heat to help loosen the sauce and keep everything moist. Stir it gently and let it heat through for about 5-7 minutes. You want it warm but not overcooked!
If you’re in a rush, you can also pop it in the microwave. Just put your portion in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel (this helps retain moisture), and heat in 30-second intervals until it’s hot throughout. Give it a stir between intervals to make sure it heats evenly.
And there you have it—easy storage and reheating methods to keep that delicious pasta skillet tasting just as good as the first time you made it! Enjoy!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While I love using Italian sausage for its rich flavor, you can swap it for turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based sausage. Just make sure it’s sliced so it cooks evenly and absorbs all that delicious sauce!
What can I substitute for honey?
If you’re looking for an alternative to honey, maple syrup works beautifully! It’ll add a different kind of sweetness while still keeping that sticky texture. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit different, but still delicious!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just let it cool down a bit before transferring it to the container to keep everything fresh and tasty!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You totally can! This dish is perfect for meal prep. Just cook it as directed, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to keep it saucy and delicious!
How do I know if the spaghetti is cooked perfectly?
For the best texture, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. Don’t forget to taste it as it cooks to find that perfect balance!
For more delicious recipes, check out this garlic butter sausage pasta or creamy Italian sausage pasta!
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Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet: 5-Star Comfort Food
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious sticky honey garlic sausage pasta skillet that combines flavorful sausage with a sweet and savory sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb sausage, sliced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced sausage and cook until browned.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Use any type of sausage you prefer.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: sticky honey garlic sausage pasta skillet