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- 8 oz penne pasta - 1 pound Italian sausage or chicken sausage, casings removed - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce These main ingredients give your dish a rich flavor. Pasta adds heartiness. Sausage brings protein and spice. Garlic offers a fragrant touch. Honey balances the savory with sweet. Soy sauce adds depth and umami. - 1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow) - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved The vegetables add color and nutrition. The bell pepper gives a hint of sweetness. Broccoli adds crunch and vitamins. Cherry tomatoes burst with flavor, making each bite exciting. - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and pepper, to taste Olive oil is perfect for sautéing. It adds a smooth texture to the dish. Red pepper flakes bring heat, which you can adjust to your taste. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. When you gather these ingredients, you set the stage for a delightful meal. Each element plays a role in creating balance. Enjoy the process of cooking, knowing you are making something special! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes. You want it to be al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. This helps keep it firm and tasty. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add 1 pound of Italian sausage. Use a spatula to break it into smaller pieces. Cook for 5-7 minutes. It should be browned and fully cooked. The sausage adds rich flavor to your dish. Now it’s time for the sauce. Reduce the heat slightly and add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. It should smell great! Then, pour in 1/4 cup of honey and 1/4 cup of low sodium soy sauce. Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for some heat. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This blends the flavors nicely. Add 1 diced bell pepper and 1 cup of broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir the mixture well. Cook for another 4-5 minutes. Check for tenderness. You want them to be soft but still a bit crisp. This adds color and nutrients to your meal. Gently fold in the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. Then, add 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Let it cook for an additional minute to warm the tomatoes through. This creates a nice, cohesive dish. Taste your pasta and adjust it with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. You can sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Serve in shallow bowls for a lovely meal. Enjoy your delightful dish! Choosing the right sausage is key. I love using Italian sausage for great flavor. If you want a lighter option, try chicken sausage. It pairs well with the honey and garlic sauce. For fresh herbs, I suggest using parsley. It adds a bright taste. You can also mix in basil or thyme if you like them. Adjust sweetness by adding more honey or cutting back. For heat, add more red pepper flakes to kick it up. When sautéing sausage, keep the heat at medium. This helps it cook evenly without burning. Stir often to break it apart. To avoid overcooked veggies, add them later in the cooking process. This keeps them crisp and colorful. Pro Tips Use Quality Sausage: Choose high-quality Italian sausage for a more robust flavor. Freshly ground sausage will elevate the dish significantly. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of honey based on your sweetness preference. Start with less and add more if desired. Vegetable Variations: Experiment with different vegetables such as zucchini or spinach to add variety and color to your dish. Perfect Pasta Texture: Ensure you cook the pasta al dente for the best texture, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. {{image_4}} If you need a gluten-free meal, you can swap the penne pasta for gluten-free pasta. Look for options made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas. These will cook similarly to regular pasta and taste great. For sauces, you can use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is gluten-free and adds a rich flavor. You can switch out the Italian sausage for chicken sausage. This change gives a lighter taste. If you're looking for plant-based options, try using a meat substitute like lentils or tempeh. For a seafood twist, add shrimp. Simply toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. You can also use beef for a heartier dish. Just make sure it’s cooked all the way through. Feel free to mix in other veggies. Zucchini, spinach, or asparagus work well too. These can add new flavors and colors. For seasoning, try adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil. This will give your dish a fresh taste, making it even yummier. To keep your Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta fresh, store leftovers right away. Place them in airtight containers. This helps keep moisture in and air out. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The pasta stays good for about three to four days. When you reheat, aim to keep the pasta moist. The stovetop is best. Heat it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. Stir often until it's hot. If using a microwave, cover it with a damp paper towel. This keeps the steam in. Heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid overcooking. To freeze, cool the pasta first. Then, pack it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn. Your dish can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, use the microwave on defrost mode. Once thawed, reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can use Italian sausage or chicken sausage for this dish. Both options offer great flavor. Italian sausage adds a rich, savory taste. Chicken sausage is lighter and healthier. Choose based on your taste and diet needs. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sausage in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, heat them in a skillet. Add fresh vegetables and sauce for best results. To make the dish spicier, add more red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste. For a milder flavor, reduce the red pepper flakes. You can also add more honey to balance heat with sweetness. Yes, you can make a vegetarian version. Use plant-based sausage as a substitute. You can also add more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms. For an extra kick, consider adding some chickpeas for protein. This blog post covered how to make a delicious Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet. We talked about the main ingredients like honey, garlic, and sausage, and the vegetables to include, like bell peppers and broccoli. The step-by-step instructions guide you through cooking pasta, sautéing sausage, and making a tasty sauce. Remember, you can easily customize flavors and swap ingredients to suit your taste. With the tips and tricks provided, you can create variations or store leftovers effectively. Enjoy cooking this simple, hearty meal!

Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet

A delicious and hearty pasta dish featuring Italian sausage, honey, and garlic, combined with fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (or chicken sausage), casings removed
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 unit bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnishing Fresh parsley, chopped
  • optional Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
  • Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sausage, using a spatula to break it into smaller pieces. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
  • Add Garlic and Sauce: Reduce the heat slightly and stir in the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, until it becomes fragrant. Pour in the honey and low sodium soy sauce, then sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Incorporate Vegetables: Add the diced bell pepper and broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir the mixture and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender yet still maintain a crisp texture.
  • Combine Pasta: Gently fold in the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce. Afterward, fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and allow to cook for an additional minute until they are warmed through.
  • Season and Serve: Taste your dish and adjust it with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the skillet from heat and garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley before serving. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls for a comforting family-style meal. Finish with a sprinkle of additional red pepper flakes for a pop of color and spice!
Keyword easy dinner, honey garlic, pasta, sausage, skillet