Sticky Honey Garlic Pasta (Printable Version)
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 -
340 grams penne or fusilli pasta
→ Protein
02 -
450 grams Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
→ Sauce Components
03 -
60 milliliters honey
04 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
30 milliliters soy sauce
06 -
15 milliliters olive oil
07 -
0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
→ Seasoning
08 -
Salt, to taste
09 -
Black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
10 -
Fresh parsley, chopped
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve 120 milliliters of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes.
03 -
Stir minced garlic into the skillet with sausage and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
04 -
Pour honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using) into the skillet. Simmer and stir frequently for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
05 -
Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to evenly coat with sauce. If the mixture is dry, gradually incorporate reserved pasta water until desired consistency is achieved.
06 -
Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot.
# Helpful Notes:
01 -
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for healthier or diet-specific alternatives. Reduce honey by half and add lemon juice to lower sugar content without sacrificing brightness.
02 -
Reserve pasta water before draining; the starch helps bind the sauce to the pasta enhancing flavor and texture.
03 -
Avoid overcooking pasta to maintain al dente texture and prevent mushiness.