Description
A quick and comforting pasta dish featuring caramelized sausage and a sweet-savory honey-garlic sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) short pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian or smoked sausage, sliced on the bias (hot or mild)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional; add more for heat)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Before draining, scoop out and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the sliced sausage in a single layer and brown, turning occasionally, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the sausage to a plate.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Sauté about 30 seconds until fragrant — don’t let it burn.
- Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Add the chicken broth and red pepper flakes. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes so flavors meld and the sauce slightly reduces.
- Return the browned sausage to the skillet and simmer together for another 3–4 minutes to heat through and to let the sauce cling to the meat.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches the consistency you like — usually 2–4 tablespoons. The starch in the water helps the sauce cling.
- Stir in the butter until it melts and the sauce becomes glossy. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan if using. Serve immediately.
Notes
For gluten-free, use GF pasta and tamari. Turkey or chicken sausage works – reduce cooking time slightly. If less sweetness is desired, start with 3 tablespoons of honey and adjust to taste.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian