Name: Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet: A Flavorful One-Pan Wonder
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
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)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a true winner for several reasons! First, it’s a one-pan dish, making cleanup a breeze. The honey garlic sauce is sticky and irresistible, coating the sausage and pasta with rich flavors. The combination of savory sausage, sweet honey, and a subtle kick from red pepper flakes is sure to leave you craving more. Plus, it only takes 25 minutes from start to finish, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this dish delivers on taste and convenience.

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)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

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, drain it and set it aside. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, which may come in handy later to adjust the sauce consistency.
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 and brown it on both sides for about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, transfer the sausage to a plate and set it aside.
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. Then, pour in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar, stirring to combine into a smooth sauce. Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. If you enjoy a little spice, toss in the red pepper flakes.
Reintroduce the Sausage and Pasta
Once the sauce has thickened, return the browned sausage to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the sausage to absorb the flavors. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir in the butter for a silky finish.
Season and Garnish
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. For extra flavor, top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Spicy Option: If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a chopped jalapeño to the sauce.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Cheese Lovers: For extra creaminess, stir in some cream cheese or add shredded mozzarella in the last step.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes! You can use any type of sausage you prefer, including smoked, chicken, or turkey sausage.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sausage and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, cook the pasta and combine everything.

What kind of pasta should I use?

You can use any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle. Choose your favorite pasta or whatever you have on hand!

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the regular pasta for a gluten-free pasta option.

Can I freeze this recipe?

It’s not recommended to freeze this dish because the texture of the pasta can change when reheated. However, the sauce and sausage can be frozen separately for future use.

What can I serve this dish with?

This pasta pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey. You can also balance it with a bit more vinegar if you like more tang.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild level of spice due to the red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or omitting them entirely.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can toss in vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave.

Conclusion

The Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings together the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or looking to impress guests, this one-pan wonder is sure to be a hit. With minimal cleanup and a deliciously sticky sauce, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again!