Description
A quick and flavorful Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta combining tender spaghetti with crispy smoked sausage in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 400 g spaghetti
Sausage
- 300 g smoked sausage (like kielbasa or Italian sausage)
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 400 g of spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 0.5 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti.
- Brown Sausage: Slice the 300 g smoked sausage into rounds. Heat a skillet with a bit of oil over medium heat, then add the sausage slices. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are browned and crispy. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in 3 tablespoons honey, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, and 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the browned sausage slices to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss to coat well. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it and help it cling to the pasta.
- Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the pasta with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to combine everything. Serve immediately, optionally with extra Parmesan on top.
Notes
- Using smoked sausage like kielbasa or Italian sausage adds great flavor, but you can substitute with any sausage of your choice.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit entirely for a milder dish.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce consistency and helping it adhere to the pasta.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives.
- This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 2 days.
