Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
Ingredients:
1 lb Italian sausage (or your choice of sausage)
12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your preferred type)
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the sausage: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage (remove the casing if using link sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Make the sauce: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage and cook for 1-3 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard (if using), and red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to simmer for 4-6 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the sticky sauce. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your sticky honey garlic sausage pasta skillet!