Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This sticky honey garlic sausage pasta skillet is a flavorful one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With a sweet and savory sauce coating tender sausage and pasta, it comes together quickly and satisfies any craving for comfort food.

A close-up view of a black skillet filled with rotini pasta cooked in a rich orange-brown sauce, topped evenly with small browned meatballs that have a slightly crispy texture. The dish is garnished with small bits of green herbs scattered throughout, adding some fresh color contrast. The skillet rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions in generously salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
  2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and brown on both sides for 5-7 minutes until crispy. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar, stirring to combine.
  4. Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and bring the sauce to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add red pepper flakes if using for some heat.
  5. Step 5: Return the browned sausage to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  6. Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency. Stir in butter for extra richness.
  7. Step 7: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

  • Use smoked sausage for a deeper, smoky flavor or Italian sausage for a spicier profile.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrients.
  • If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level or omit for a milder dish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

The image shows a black pan filled with rotini pasta topped with evenly spaced browned meatballs. The pasta is coated in a rich, slightly glossy orange-red sauce with a few green herbs scattered on top, adding a touch of color. The meatballs have a crispy, caramelized outer texture and are nestled into the pasta, making the dish look hearty and well-cooked. The pan rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?

Yes, gluten-free pasta works well in this skillet. Just be sure to cook it according to the package instructions so it doesn’t become mushy.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can cook the pasta and sausage ahead separately and combine them with the sauce when ready to serve. This helps maintain the best texture.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet Recipe


  • Author: Lila
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is a delicious and comforting one-pan meal featuring perfectly cooked pasta tossed with crispy sausage and a sweet, tangy, and savory honey garlic sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an easy yet flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a satisfying pasta dinner with a hint of heat and freshness from parsley.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta)

Sausage

  • 1 lb (450 g) sausage, sliced (Italian sausage, smoked sausage, or your preferred type)

Sauce & Seasonings

  • 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
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set pasta aside.
  2. Sauté the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and crispy on both sides. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. Add honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar, stirring to combine. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Allow the sauce to cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add red pepper flakes if using for a gentle heat.
  4. Reintroduce the Sausage and Pasta: Return the browned sausage to the skillet and coat well with the sauce. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes so the sausage absorbs the flavors. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine everything. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Stir in the butter for richness and silky texture.
  5. Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Turn off heat. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
  • Use low sodium soy sauce to control salt levels.
  • Add red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit for mild flavor.
  • The recipe is flexible with sausage types: Italian, smoked, or your favorite variety works well.
  • For a dairy-free version, omit the butter and Parmesan cheese garnish.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: honey garlic sausage pasta, one-pan pasta recipe, easy sausage skillet, quick dinner, sticky sauce pasta, comfort food pasta

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating