why make this recipe

This one-pan pasta is fast, filling, and full of flavor. It mixes sweet honey and savory garlic with browned sausage for a tasty meal the whole family will like. If you enjoy sweet-and-spicy twists, you may also like this delicious ricotta dip with hot honey for a snack or starter.

introduction

This Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet brings pasta, sausage, and a sticky sauce together in one pan. You cook the pasta, brown the sausage, make a simple honey-garlic sauce, then toss everything so the sauce clings to the pasta. It is easy to make on weeknights and needs little cleanup.

how to make Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet

Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Salt the water well. Drain and save 1/2 cup pasta water.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and brown both sides, about 5–7 minutes. Move browned sausage to a plate.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. Do not burn it.
Add honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine.
Pour in chicken broth and simmer 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Add red pepper flakes if you want heat.
Return sausage to skillet and simmer 3–4 minutes so the sausage soaks the sauce.
Add cooked pasta and toss with sausage and sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.
Stir in butter for a richer sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Turn off heat and garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan if you like. For another easy skillet meal idea try one-pan balsamic chicken.

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)
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

Serve hot straight from the skillet. Add grated Parmesan for extra flavor and chopped parsley for color. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables go well with this dish. For a sweet dessert after this meal, consider something rich and creamy like a winter wonderland white chocolate cake.

how to store Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet

Let leftovers cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat and add a splash of water or broth if the sauce is thick. Do not leave at room temperature more than 2 hours.

tips to make Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet

Brown the sausage well for better texture and flavor.
Reserve pasta water; it helps loosen the sauce without watering it down.
Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt.
Add the butter at the end for a smooth, glossy sauce.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end.

variation (if any)

Swap sausage for chicken slices or tofu for a different protein.
Add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli for color and nutrition.
Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweet note.
Make it spicy by adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes. Short pasta like penne or rigatoni works best, but any pasta will work.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free soy sauce (tamari).

Q: Can I make this ahead and reheat?
A: Yes. Store in the fridge and reheat in a skillet with a little water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Q: How do I make the sauce less sweet?
A: Reduce the honey to 2 tablespoons and taste. You can add more soy sauce or a splash more vinegar to balance it.

Conclusion

This Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is quick, simple, and full of flavor. It makes a great weeknight dinner with little fuss. For another version and extra tips, see Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet – NoDashofGluten.