Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Sausage & Pasta

01 - 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced (Andouille, kielbasa, or any preferred variety)
02 - 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, rigatoni, or penne)
03 - 1 tbsp olive oil
04 - 2 cups chicken broth
05 - 1/2 cup heavy cream

→ For the Honey Garlic Sauce

06 - 1/3 cup honey
07 - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
08 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
10 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
11 - 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (to thicken the sauce)

→ Garnish

12 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 - Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
14 - Extra red pepper flakes, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced sausage in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is nicely browned and slightly crispy on the edges. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
02 - While the sausage is cooking, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a medium-sized bowl. Set aside until ready to use.
03 - In the same skillet, add 2 cups of chicken broth and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Add the pasta directly into the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has reduced to a creamy consistency.
04 - Stir the reserved honey garlic sauce before pouring it into the skillet with the cooked pasta. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the skillet and stir to combine. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the pasta.
05 - Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Toss gently to ensure the sausage and pasta are fully coated in the sticky sauce. Cook for another minute or two until heated through.

# Notes:

01 - Monitor liquid levels while cooking pasta to avoid over-reduction. Add extra broth or water if needed.
02 - Slicing sausage diagonally increases surface area for browning and improves presentation.
03 - Use a deep, wide skillet to allow for even cooking and stirring.