Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta

What is your review of Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta? If you love carbonara but want something a little… Less fussy, A little more.. What is weeknight-friendly? Seriously, my family practically inhales it. What’s that perfect sweet and savory thing going on? I swear, I can whip this up faster than ordering takeout, and it’s infinitely more satisfying. What is a chef’s kiss?

What is honey garlic sausage?

Think of it as a grown-up version of spaghetti and meatballs, but way more exciting. It’s essentially pasta tossed in a luscious, slightly sticky, Honey Garlic sauce, with browned edges. Italian sausage crumbled throughout. How does the sauce cling to every strand of pasta, and that little bit of spice from the sausage? What is a complete meal in one pot? I’ve even thrown in broccoli florets before, and it was amazing! What is comfort food with a touch of sophistication?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even begin? First, the flavor is just incredible. The sweetness of the honey perfectly balances the savory garlic and the richness of the sausage. It’s a party in your mouth, I swear! And honestly, it’s so easy to make. I’m talking 30 minutes, tops, from start to finish. This one’s a lifesaver on those nights when you’re staring into the fridge, wondering what to make. It’s also super budget-friendly. Sausage is usually pretty affordable, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can use any type of pasta you like (I prefer penne or rotini, because the sauce really gets into all the nooks and crannies), and you can add veggies to bulk it up.

What I love most about this Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta is that it’s a crowd-pleaser. Seriously, everyone loves it. My kids ask for it all the time, and my husband always goes back for seconds (and sometimes thirds!). It’s the kind of recipe that you can rely on to impress without having to spend hours in the kitchen. It really is the best of both worlds, the taste is close to takeout but homemade. This is one of my favorite pasta dinners!

How do I make honey garlic sausage pasta?

Quick Overview

Okay, so here’s the deal: you’re basically browning some sausage, whipping up a super simple honey Garlic Sauce, cooking your pasta, and then tossing it all together. That’s it! The secret is to not overcook the pasta (al dente is key) and to make sure the sauce is nice and thick so it really coats everything. Trust me, even if you’re not a confident cook, you can totally nail this. It’s an easy recipe, even for beginner cooks.

Ingredients

For the Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta: How do you prepare it?
* 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your choice! I usually go for sweet for the kids, but hot gives it a nice kick).
* 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, spaghetti – whatever you have)
* 4 cloves garlic, minced (don’t skimp on the garlic! It’s crucial)
* 14 cup honey (use good quality honey for the best flavor)
* 14 cup soy sauce (low sodium is best, so it doesn’t get too salty)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the sausage)
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch (this helps thicken the sauce)*
* ¼ cup water (to dissolve the cornstarch)
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional but pretty)
* Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
* Salt and pepper to taste (always!)

What are the steps to

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

First, get your pasta cooking according to package directions. How do you salt water? You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it’s firm to the bite. Don’t overcook it, or it will get mushy when you toss it with the sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While the pasta is cooking, heat the Olive Oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casings and crumble it into the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Is it possible to do this in 8-10 minutes?

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

Once the sausage is browned, drain off any excess grease (I usually just tilt the skillet and spoon it into a clean bowl). Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. How do you burn a candle? Now, stir in the honey, soy sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a boil.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Set aside. How do you stir cornstarch slurry into a skillet? How do you make a sauce?

Step 5: Combine Everything

Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sausage and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. What are some of the best ways to make a Honey Garlic sauce?

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately. I like to put a little extra red pepper flakes on mine, because I love the heat!

What is the best way to serve it?

What is a complete meal without sacrificing on the flavor of the sausage? What are some good ideas to round it out?

What is a simple weeknight dinner?A side of steamed broccoli or green salad. What are some good side dishes to serve with Garlic Bread? What’s the best way to soak up that delicious sauce?

For a Slightly More Elevated Meal: A Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. The creamy mozzarella and tangy tomatoes are the perfect complement to the savory pasta.

For a potluck or party:What is a big bowl of this Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta?

What are some great side dishes to serve with Green Beans? I sauté them with garlic and lemon juice for a bright and fresh flavor.

How do I make a perfect Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta?

What are some tips I have learned from making this recipe?

Don’t overcook pasta.I know I’ve already said this, but it’s really important! Overcooked pasta will get mushy and won’t hold the sauce as well.

Use good quality sausages.What brand of sausage do you like? I prefer Italian sausage, but you can use any type of sausage you want. What are some good recipes for chorizo?

Adjust the sweetness to your liking: / //If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of honey. If you like it really sweet, you can add a little more. I’ve used maple syrup in a pinch, and it’s actually quite good!

Don’t be afraid to add veggies: This recipe is really versatile, so feel free to add any veggies you like. Broccoli, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms all work well. I usually sauté the veggies in the skillet before adding the sausage.

Taste as you go: The most important tip is to taste the sauce as you’re making it and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You might need to add a little more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes, depending on your preferences. Also make sure the sauce is thick enough. If it is too thin, add a little more cornstarch.

Don’t skip the fresh parsley: The fresh parsley adds a brightness and freshness to the dish that really takes it to the next level. It’s optional, but I highly recommend it!

I always make a little extra sauce, just in case. It’s great for dipping garlic bread or drizzling over grilled chicken.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta is great for leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving this at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Because it has meat in it, the faster it is stored the better.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it is in an airtight container, and allow it to cool before storing.

Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze this pasta! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it according to the instructions below.

Reheating Instructions: To reheat the pasta, you can microwave it for a few minutes, or you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. If it seems dry, add a little water or broth to the skillet to help loosen up the sauce. If you want to add a little fresh parmesan cheese on top when re-heating, that is a great way to freshen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?

Absolutely! Ground beef will work just fine. You might want to add a little extra Italian seasoning to mimic the flavor of the sausage. If you want to use ground turkey or ground chicken that works too.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure your soy sauce is gluten-free (tamari is a great option). The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely! Broccoli, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, and peas would all be great additions. Sauté them in the skillet before adding the sausage.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this a day or two ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so you might want to add a little water or broth when reheating.

Can I use a different kind of honey?

Sure! Feel free to experiment with different types of honey. Clover honey, wildflower honey, and orange blossom honey would all be delicious. I usually use whatever I have on hand!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my go-to Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta recipe! It’s easy, flavorful, and always a hit. I seriously can’t recommend it enough. If you love this recipe, you should try my Creamy Tomato Pasta with Sausage, too! I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Happy cooking!