introduction
Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is a comforting, savory-sweet one-pan meal that brings together browned sausage, al dente pasta, and a glossy honey-garlic sauce. It’s an easy dinner that feels a little special thanks to the sticky glaze and bright finish of fresh parsley and optional grated Parmesan. Ready in around 30 minutes and cooked mostly in one skillet, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a casual weekend supper.
why make this recipe
This recipe shines because it’s:
- Fast: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Minimal cleanup: Most of the cooking happens in a single skillet.
- Crowd-pleasing: The sweet-savory sauce pairs well with almost any sausage and appeals to both kids and adults.
- Flexible: Swap proteins, pastas, or add vegetables easily to suit dietary needs or what’s on hand.
how to make Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet: A Flavorful One-Pan Wonder
Follow the steps below to build this sticky, garlicky skillet pasta. Cook the pasta first, brown the sausage for texture, then create the sauce in the same pan so it soaks up all those browned bits. Finish by tossing everything together and adjusting the sauce with reserved pasta water if needed.
Ingredients :
12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta), 1 lb (450 g) sausage, sliced (Italian sausage, smoked sausage, or your preferred type), 1 tablespoon olive oil, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey, 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce (low sodium recommended), 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat), 1 tablespoon butter, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish), Salt and pepper to taste, Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Directions :
Step 1: Cook the Pasta, Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to salt the water generously to season the pasta. Once the pasta is al dente (firm to the bite), drain it and set it aside. Don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, which may come in handy later to adjust the sauce consistency., Step 2: Sauté the Sausage, In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced sausage. Brown the sausage on both sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. The goal here is to achieve a nice, crispy outer layer, enhancing the overall texture of the dish. Once browned, transfer the sausage to a plate and set it aside., Step 3: Make the Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce, Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly. Then, pour in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir the mixture well, allowing the ingredients to combine into a smooth sauce., Next, add the chicken broth and bring the sauce to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 2-3 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken. If you’re a fan of a little spice, toss in the red pepper flakes at this stage for a gentle kick., Step 4: Reintroduce the Sausage and Pasta, Once the sauce has thickened, add the browned sausage back into the skillet. Stir to coat the sausage pieces thoroughly in the sticky honey garlic sauce. Let the sausage simmer in the sauce for about 3-4 minutes, ensuring it absorbs all the delicious flavors., Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it with the sausage and sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, this is where you can add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Stir in the butter to give the sauce an extra layer of richness and silkiness., Step 5: Season and Garnish, Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. Once you’re happy with the flavor, turn off the heat and garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. If you love cheese, a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan on top adds a wonderful savory note.
how to serve Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet: A Flavorful One-Pan Wonder
Serve hot straight from the skillet for a rustic family-style meal. Garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan. Pair with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread to round out the plate. A crisp white wine or a light-bodied red complements the sweet and savory sauce nicely.
how to store Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet: A Flavorful One-Pan Wonder
- Refrigerate: Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
- Freeze: You can freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note that pasta texture can soften after freezing.
tips to make Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet: A Flavorful One-Pan Wonder
- Use pasta water: A tablespoon or two of reserved pasta water helps marry sauce and pasta for a silky finish.
- Brown well: Don’t rush browning the sausage — that caramelized crust adds vital flavor.
- Garlic timing: Add garlic to the skillet briefly so it becomes fragrant but not bitter.
- Balance sweetness: Taste before serving and add a splash more soy sauce or vinegar if the honey makes it too sweet.
- Low-sodium soy: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control salt; adjust with kosher salt at the end.
variation (if any)
- Veg-forward: Add spinach, sliced bell peppers, or mushrooms when making the sauce and simmer until tender.
- Protein swap: Use chicken, turkey sausage, or plant-based sausage for different dietary needs.
- Gluten-free: Swap in your preferred gluten-free pasta and use Tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Spicier: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of Sriracha for heat.
- Less sweet: Reduce honey to 2 tablespoons and increase soy sauce by a tablespoon for a more savory profile.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes — any short pasta (penne, rigatoni, farfalle) works well. Adjust cook time per the package to keep pasta al dente.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: Not inherently. It includes optional red pepper flakes to add heat; omit them for a mild dish.
Q: Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
A: You can prepare components ahead (cook pasta and brown sausage) and store separately for up to 3 days. Combine and reheat with a splash of broth when ready to eat.
Q: What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
A: Too thick — add reserved pasta water or chicken broth a little at a time. Too thin — simmer a bit longer to concentrate, or stir in a small knob of butter to thicken and enrich.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar content?
A: Yes — cut the honey in half and boost the umami with an extra tablespoon of soy sauce or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a fast, satisfying one-pan dinner with a great balance of sweet and savory, this Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is a reliable, crowd-pleasing choice — easy to customize and easy to love.
Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Brown the sliced sausage for 5-7 minutes until crispy, then transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine.
- Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, cooking for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in red pepper flakes if using.
- Reintroduce the browned sausage and toss to coat in the sauce. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta, tossing to combine with sausage and sauce. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Stir in butter until melted and sauce is silky.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley and sprinkle with grated Parmesan if desired.
