Description
Sticky Honey Garlic Turkey Sausage Pasta Skillet is a flavorful one-pan dish combining savory turkey sausage with a sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy skillet recipe features perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a glossy, sticky sauce with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Garnished with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese, it’s an ideal weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta)
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb (450 g) turkey sausage, sliced (Italian-style or smoked turkey sausage)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions in well-salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Sauté the Turkey Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced turkey sausage and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and slightly crisp on the edges. Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. If desired, add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Combine Everything: Return the turkey sausage to the skillet with the sauce and toss to combine. Allow it to simmer together for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything to evenly coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Stir in butter until the sauce is glossy and well combined.
- Finish and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this flavorful, comforting one-pan meal.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control salt levels.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a pleasant mild heat.
- Choose any short pasta shape like penne or rigatoni for best absorption of the sauce.
- Butter adds richness and glossy finish to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
