If you’re looking for a dinner that comes together quickly, tastes amazing, and feels comforting all at once—this Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is the one! It’s a dish that hits all the right notes: savory sausage, a sticky-sweet honey garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Every bite is bursting with flavor, and it’s all made in one skillet—yes, one! No need for multiple pans or complicated steps. This recipe is a total game-changer, and trust me, it’s going to become one of your go-to weeknight meals. You won’t believe how something this delicious can come together so quickly.
Why You’ll Love Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
This dish is exactly what you want when you’re craving something flavorful and easy, yet still feels like a treat. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet:
- Versatile: Whether you’re feeding your family after a long day or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this dish fits any occasion.
- Budget-Friendly: Most of the ingredients are kitchen staples, and you don’t need anything fancy. The sausages, honey, and garlic bring out incredible flavors without breaking the bank.
- Quick and Easy: This is a weeknight dream! The recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect dinner for busy nights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the sausage type (chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian) or add more veggies like spinach or bell peppers to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of sweet and savory is always a winner. It’s rich, flavorful, and a big hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to bring this dish together—it’s all simple, no-fuss ingredients that you probably already have on hand!
- Sausage Links (Italian sausage, or your favorite kind) – The star of the show! They bring so much flavor to the dish.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves, minced, to give that irresistible aroma and flavor.
- Honey – The sticky-sweet base for the sauce that adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the savory sausage.
- Soy Sauce – For that salty, umami goodness that complements the sweetness of the honey.
- Olive Oil – For sautéing the sausage and garlic to perfection.
- Pasta – I love using penne or spaghetti, but any pasta you like will work here. This is a pasta dish, after all!
- Red Pepper Flakes – A pinch to bring some heat, which pairs perfectly with the sweetness.
- Fresh Parsley – A sprinkle of fresh herbs to brighten the dish up and add a pop of color.
- Salt and Pepper – To season everything to perfection!
(Note: Full measurements are included in the recipe card above.)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! This Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is as simple as it gets, and I promise you’ll love how quickly it comes together.
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. This step can be done ahead of time if you like!
2. Cook the Sausage
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Slice the sausage links into rounds and add them to the skillet. Brown the sausage on all sides until cooked through and crispy around the edges—about 5-7 minutes. This adds a nice texture and flavor.
3. Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage, cooking for about 1 minute or until fragrant. You want to bring out the garlic’s natural sweetness, but don’t let it burn!
4. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, pour in the honey and soy sauce. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using) and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken and coat the sausage beautifully. The sauce will get nice and sticky—this is the magic part!
5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sausage and sauce, tossing it all together until the pasta is well coated. The sauce will cling to the pasta, giving each bite that perfect sweet-savory flavor.
6. Season and Serve
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Dish out your pasta and serve warm! This meal is fantastic on its own, but you can also pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: 510
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 54g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 21g
- Protein: 22g
- Vitamin A: 4%
- Vitamin C: 3%
- Calcium: 3%
- Iron: 15%
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
How to Serve Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
This dish is perfect as a one-pan wonder, but if you’re looking to serve it with something extra, here are a few ideas:
- Crisp Salad: A simple green salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette will add a refreshing balance to the sweet pasta.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to scoop up any leftover sauce. It’s comfort food at its best!
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli or asparagus would be a great side, adding some color and nutrients to the meal.
Additional Tips
- Leftovers: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave.
- Make it Spicy: For more heat, toss in a sliced chili pepper or increase the amount of red pepper flakes. Adjust the spice to your liking!
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.
- Add Veggies: You can throw in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to add more veggies and color to the dish.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A1: Yes! You can use any kind of sausage you prefer—turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian sausage. Just adjust the cooking time based on what you’re using.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: This is best served fresh, but you can cook the sausage and sauce ahead of time and just heat everything up when you’re ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently when ready to eat.
Q4: Can I freeze this pasta?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the cooked pasta and sausage in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q5: What kind of pasta should I use?
A5: Any pasta you love will work here! Penne, spaghetti, or rigatoni are all great choices, but you can get creative with whatever you have.
Q6: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A6: Add more red pepper flakes or toss in some chopped fresh chili peppers to increase the heat.
Q7: Can I add more veggies?
A7: Absolutely! Feel free to add spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to make it even more nutritious.
Q8: How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
A8: Let it simmer for an extra couple of minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. If it’s still too thin, you can also add a little cornstarch mixed with water.
Q9: Is this dish gluten-free?
A9: If you use gluten-free pasta, this dish can easily be made gluten-free!
Q10: Can I add more garlic?
A10: Of course! If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add more minced garlic for an extra punch of flavor.
Conclusion
This Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or any time you’re craving comfort food. The sweet and savory sauce pairs beautifully with the savory sausage and pasta, making it a hit with everyone at the table. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and customizable, so you can make it your own. Enjoy!
PrintSticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is a one-pan wonder that combines savory sausage with a sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce. Tossed with pasta for the perfect comfort meal, this dish is easy to make and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casing removed
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti works well)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the honey, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar (if using), red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt. Stir to combine, allowing the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens and becomes sticky.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the honey garlic sauce and sausage mixture.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
- For a bit of extra flavor, you can sauté some chopped onions or bell peppers with the sausage.
- If you like your sauce extra sticky, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken further.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg