Description
Okay, so picture this: I was having one of those nights where I had basically nothing in the fridge except some sausage, a bag of pasta, and random pantry stuff. I started throwing things together and accidentally created what might be the most addictive dinner ever. This is sticky, sweet, garlicky pasta heaven with chunks of perfectly browned sausage that’ll have you scraping the pan for every last bit. It’s basically adult mac and cheese but WAY better.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Main Event:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, whatever floats your boat – I usually go half and half)
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta (something chunky that holds onto that glorious sauce)
- 1 large onion, sliced (don’t get fancy, just slice it up)
- 1 bell pepper, any color, sliced into strips
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (or more if you’re like me and measure garlic with your soul)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (if needed – the sausage usually gives off enough fat)
For the Sticky Magic Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey (the good stuff, not that fake corn syrup nonsense)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium works great)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (adds that perfect tang)
- 1 tbsp sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to your heat tolerance)
- 2 tsp cornstarch (this is what makes it sticky and amazing)
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
The Extras That Make It Special:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (makes everything rich and dreamy)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the real stuff, not the sawdust in a can)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for that pop of color and freshness)
- Red pepper flakes (if you like living dangerously)
- Salt and black pepper to taste