Garlic Honey Skillet Pasta With Crispy Chicken Sausage And Harissa Swirl

Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both quick and bursting with incredible flavor? Look no further! This Garlic Honey Skillet Pasta with Crispy Chicken Sausage and a vibrant Harissa Swirl is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The sweetness of the honey beautifully balances the savory sausage and the spicy kick of harissa, all coated in a creamy, luscious sauce. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. This recipe uses halal chicken sausage to cater to a wider audience, and we’ll explore some fantastic substitution options if needed. Get ready to experience a pasta dish unlike any other!

You’ll Need These Ingredients:

• 300 g (10.5 oz) dry penne pasta: We’re using penne for its ridges, which perfectly capture the sauce. Choose a high-quality pasta made with durum wheat semolina for the best texture.
• 400 g (14 oz) halal chicken sausage: Halal chicken sausage ensures the recipe is accessible to those with dietary requirements. Look for a sausage with good flavor – Italian or spicy varieties work particularly well. Slicing it into ½-inch rounds allows for even cooking and a nice bite.
• 2 Tbsp (30 ml) olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its rich flavor and health benefits. It’s the foundation of our sauce and helps to caramelize the onions beautifully.
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced: Yellow onions are ideal here, as they caramelize to a lovely golden brown and provide a sweet base for the sauce. Thinly slicing ensures they cook evenly.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic is a must! It provides an aromatic punch that’s essential to the dish.
• 2 Tbsp (30 ml) honey: Use a good quality honey – wildflower or clover honey are excellent choices. The honey adds a touch of sweetness that complements the savory sausage and spicy harissa.
• 1 Tbsp (15 ml) harissa paste: Harissa paste is a North African chili paste that adds a complex, spicy flavor. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
• 1 cup (240 ml) low‑sodium vegetable broth: Low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. It adds depth of flavor and helps to create a luscious sauce.
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (or plant-based cream): Heavy cream adds richness and creates a velvety texture. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based cream alternative like cashew cream or oat cream.
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese — halal certified: Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami flavor that elevates the sauce. Ensure it’s halal certified if needed.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Seasoning is key! Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
• 2 Tbsp (30 g) toasted sliced almonds, roughly chopped: Toasted almonds provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Toasting them enhances their flavor.
• 2 Tbsp (8 g) fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? No problem! Here are a few easy substitutions:

• Chicken Sausage: Italian pork sausage (halal if needed) or even chorizo can be used instead.
• Penne Pasta: Rotini, fusilli, or farfalle (bow-tie pasta) all work well.
• Harissa Paste: If you can’t find harissa paste, you can substitute with a pinch of cayenne pepper and a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
• Heavy Cream: Full-fat coconut milk can be used for a vegan alternative, though it will impart a slight coconut flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Honey Skillet Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente – meaning it should be firm to the bite. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup (120ml) of the pasta water. This starchy water is liquid gold; it helps bind the sauce to the pasta and creates a creamy texture. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
2. Sear the Chicken Sausage: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large, wide skillet (a cast-iron skillet works beautifully here) over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced chicken sausage rounds. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. Don’t overcrowd the skillet; work in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning. Transfer the seared sausage to a plate and set aside.
3. Caramelize the Onions and Bloom the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes, or until the onions are deeply caramelized and a rich golden-brown color. This step is crucial for building flavor. Lower the heat if the onions start to burn. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
4. Create the Harissa-Honey Glaze: Stir in the honey and harissa paste into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Let the mixture sizzle for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to allow the sweet and spicy flavors to meld together. The honey will caramelize slightly, and the harissa will release its aroma.
5. Build the Sauce: Pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet – these bits are packed with flavor! Reduce the heat to low, stir in the heavy cream (or plant-based cream), and let the sauce thicken for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce appears too thick, drizzle in the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches a glossy and creamy consistency.
7. Finish and Serve: Return the browned chicken sausage to the skillet. Fold it into the pasta and sauce. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts and creates a cohesive, cheesy coating. Divide the pasta among shallow bowls or plates. Drizzle any extra sauce in a bold, diagonal ribbon across the top to showcase the beautiful harissa-honey swirl. Sprinkle with toasted sliced almonds and chopped fresh parsley for added color, texture, and freshness. Serve immediately while hot.

Why This Recipe Works: The Magic of Caramelization and Flavor Layers

This Garlic Honey Skillet Pasta isn’t just about throwing ingredients together; it’s about building layers of flavor. The key lies in the caramelization of the onions. Slow-cooking the onions brings out their natural sweetness and creates a deep, savory base for the sauce. The addition of harissa paste introduces a delightful spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the honey. The reserved pasta water is a crucial element, acting as an emulsifier to create a creamy, cohesive sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.

Choosing the Right Harissa Paste

Harissa paste varies in heat level and flavor depending on the brand and the types of peppers used. Some harissa pastes are smoky, while others are fruity. Experiment to find one you enjoy! If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount (about ½ tablespoon) and add more to taste. You can find harissa paste at most well-stocked grocery stores or online.

Tips for Crispy Chicken Sausage

Achieving perfectly crispy chicken sausage is all about heat and space. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the sausage, and don’t overcrowd it. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the skillet and result in steamed, rather than seared, sausage. If necessary, cook the sausage in batches. Patting the sausage dry with paper towels before searing also helps to promote browning.

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking! You can substitute the penne pasta with other shapes, such as rigatoni or fusilli. If you don’t have chicken sausage, Italian sausage or even chorizo would work well. For a vegetarian option, omit the sausage and add roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant. You can also adjust the amount of harissa paste to control the spice level.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I make this pasta ahead of time? While it’s best served immediately, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the sauce gently before adding the pasta and sausage.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? This recipe is not naturally gluten-free due to the penne pasta. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
• Can I use a different type of honey? Yes, you can use any type of honey you prefer. A darker, more robust honey like buckwheat honey will add a different flavor dimension.

This Garlic Honey Skillet Pasta is a flavor explosion in every bite! The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory is simply irresistible. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest board for later – you’ll want to make it again and again!

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