Honey Mustard Spaghetti: A Sweet and Tangy Pasta Delight

Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful weeknight dinner? Look no further than this Honey Mustard Spaghetti recipe! This dish combines the comforting familiarity of spaghetti with the delightful sweet and tangy kick of honey mustard sauce. It’s a surprisingly versatile recipe that can be adapted to your preferences and dietary needs. This recipe will guide you through creating a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Mustard Spaghetti

* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of honey, mustard, and a touch of garlic creates a complex and delicious sauce.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe with different proteins, vegetables, or spices to suit your taste.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Spaghetti and honey mustard are relatively inexpensive ingredients, making this a great option for budget-conscious cooks.
* **Family-Friendly:** The sweet and savory flavors of this dish appeal to both kids and adults.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:

* **Spaghetti:** 1 pound. You can use regular spaghetti, whole wheat spaghetti, or gluten-free spaghetti, depending on your dietary preferences.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. Olive oil is used to sauté the garlic and add richness to the sauce. You can substitute with other vegetable oils if needed.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and savory flavor to the sauce.
* **Honey:** 1/4 cup. Honey provides sweetness and helps to balance the acidity of the mustard.
* **Mustard:** 1/4 cup. Dijon mustard or yellow mustard will work well in this recipe. Dijon mustard will provide a sharper, more intense flavor, while yellow mustard will offer a milder, tangier taste.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons. Apple cider vinegar adds a touch of acidity and helps to thin out the sauce.
* **Soy Sauce:** 1 tablespoon. Soy sauce adds umami and depth of flavor to the sauce.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the sauce to your liking.
* **Water:** 1/2 cup. Used to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Cooked chicken, shrimp, bacon, vegetables (broccoli, peas, bell peppers), red pepper flakes, parmesan cheese, fresh parsley.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make delicious Honey Mustard Spaghetti:

**1. Cook the Spaghetti:**

* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
* Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
* Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti. This starchy water can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
* Drain the spaghetti and set aside.

**2. Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce:**

* While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
* Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce.
* Pour the honey mustard mixture into the skillet with the garlic.
* Add the water to the skillet and stir to combine.
* Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste.

**3. Combine Spaghetti and Sauce:**

* Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the honey mustard sauce.
* Toss to coat the spaghetti evenly with the sauce.
* If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.

**4. Add Optional Add-ins (if using):**

* If you are adding any cooked protein, vegetables, or other add-ins, add them to the skillet now.
* Toss to combine and heat through.

**5. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Serve the Honey Mustard Spaghetti immediately.
* Garnish with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, or parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips and Variations

* **Adjust the sweetness and tanginess:** If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey. If you prefer a tangier sauce, add more mustard or apple cider vinegar.
* **Add some spice:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
* **Make it creamy:** Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end for a creamy sauce.
* **Use different types of pasta:** This recipe works well with other types of pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or rotini.
* **Add protein:** Add cooked chicken, shrimp, bacon, or tofu to make this a more substantial meal.
* **Add vegetables:** Add broccoli, peas, bell peppers, or spinach to add nutrients and flavor.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Omit the protein and add extra vegetables.
* **Make it gluten-free:** Use gluten-free spaghetti.
* **Use different types of mustard:** Experiment with different types of mustard, such as stone-ground mustard, spicy brown mustard, or honey mustard.
* **For a smoky flavor:** Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce.
* **Lemon juice instead of vinegar:** Use lemon juice for a brighter flavour.

Serving Suggestions

This Honey Mustard Spaghetti is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides:

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are healthy and flavorful side dishes.
* **Grilled Chicken or Fish:** Grilled chicken or fish complements the flavors of the pasta and adds protein to the meal.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can make the honey mustard sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook the spaghetti and toss it with the sauce. You can also cook the spaghetti ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the spaghetti and toss it with the sauce.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Honey Mustard Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Honey Mustard Spaghetti Recipe

Here’s the detailed recipe card for the Honey Mustard Spaghetti:

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound spaghetti
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup honey
* 1/4 cup Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1/2 cup water
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional add-ins: cooked chicken, shrimp, bacon, vegetables (broccoli, peas, bell peppers), red pepper flakes, parmesan cheese, fresh parsley

**Instructions:**

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
2. While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce.
4. Pour the honey mustard mixture into the skillet with the garlic. Add the water and stir to combine.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the honey mustard sauce. Toss to coat the spaghetti evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
7. If you are adding any cooked protein, vegetables, or other add-ins, add them to the skillet now. Toss to combine and heat through.
8. Serve the Honey Mustard Spaghetti immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, or parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, without add-ins):

* Calories: Approximately 400-450
* Protein: 12-15g
* Carbohydrates: 70-80g
* Fat: 8-10g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

Enjoy!

This Honey Mustard Spaghetti recipe is a delightful and easy way to spice up your pasta routine. Its sweet and tangy flavor profile, combined with its versatility, makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal!