Description
This Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta is a delightful fusion of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Tender pasta is tossed with seared smoked sausage and a sticky honey garlic glaze, then finished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for a comforting and flavorful meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Glaze
- 14 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 oz bucatini or spaghetti pasta
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bucatini or spaghetti pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sear the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and sear until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Glaze: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes. Let the mixture simmer gently until it thickens into a sticky glaze, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine: Return the seared sausage to the skillet with the glaze. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen and coat the pasta evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt to taste. Serve the pasta hot, with extra chili flakes on the side for those who like extra heat.
Notes
- Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Using smoked sausage adds a rich, smoky flavor—feel free to substitute with your favorite sausage variety.
- Reserve pasta water contains starch that helps the sauce cling to the noodles better.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with smoked tofu or sautéed mushrooms.
- For gluten-free pasta, use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti alternative.
