Description
A quick and flavorful pasta dish featuring smoky sausage glazed in a sticky honey garlic sauce, tossed with tender bucatini or spaghetti, and finished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a delicious 30-minute meal with a balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Sauce
- 14 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
- Salt, to taste
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 oz bucatini or spaghetti pasta
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes depending on the pasta type. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta well.
- Sear the Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage rounds and cook until browned and caramelized on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Glaze: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and chili flakes. Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a sticky glaze, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine: Return the seared sausage to the skillet with the glaze. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together thoroughly. Add a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if necessary. Serve immediately while hot, with extra chili flakes for an added kick if desired.
Notes
- Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Using smoked sausage adds a rich depth of flavor, but you can substitute with other sausage types.
- Reserve some pasta water to help marry the sauce and pasta for a glossy coating.
- Fresh parsley and Parmesan add brightness and umami, but you can substitute with basil leaves or Pecorino Romano cheese if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free as well.
