why make this recipe
This dish cooks in one pan. It saves time and cuts down dishes. The sauce is sweet, salty, and sticky. Sausage and pasta make it filling. It works for weeknight dinners and busy nights.
introduction
This Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet mixes simple pantry items into a tasty meal. The sauce comes together fast and coats the pasta well. If you like sweet and savory combos, you might also enjoy a similar idea like the sausage and sweet potatoes with honey garlic sauce, which shows another easy way to use the same flavors.
how to make Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
Follow clear steps. Cook pasta first. Brown the sausage next. Make the sticky honey garlic sauce in the same pan. Return the sausage and toss with pasta. Finish with butter and parsley.
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
Serve hot right from the pan. Add grated Parmesan if you like. A side salad or steamed greens go well. For a bright touch, add a squeeze of lemon over the top before serving.
how to store Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
Cool the pasta to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Do not leave at room temperature for more than two hours.
tips to make Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
- Use pasta that holds sauce well, like penne or rigatoni.
- Keep some reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
- Brown the sausage well for better texture and flavor.
- If you want more heat, increase the red pepper flakes.
- For more ideas using sausage and honey, try a flavor twist inspired by hot sausage feta honey pizza.
variation (if any)
- Make it gluten-free: use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free soy sauce.
- Make it lighter: use chicken or turkey sausage and reduce the honey to 3 tablespoons.
- Add vegetables: stir in spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for color and nutrition.
- Make it spicy: add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
A: Yes. If the sausage is pre-cooked, just brown it briefly to warm and crisp the outside, then add it to the sauce.
Q: Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
A: Yes. Store in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add a little water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Q: Is there a way to make the sauce less sweet?
A: Reduce the honey to 2 tablespoons and add a bit more soy sauce or a squeeze of lemon to balance the sweetness.
Q: Can I freeze this pasta?
A: Freezing is possible but the sauce may change texture. If you freeze, use within 1 month and thaw overnight before reheating.
Q: What pasta works best?
A: Short tubular pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce well and works best.
Conclusion
For another take on the same sticky honey garlic flavors, see this version at Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet – NoDashofGluten. If you want a slightly different recipe idea with the same taste notes, try the version at Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet – That Oven Feelin.
Print
Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: None
Description
A quick and easy one-pan dish featuring pasta tossed in a sticky honey garlic sauce with browned sausage, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
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)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook your pasta according to the package instructions in salted water until al dente, then drain and reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and brown the sausage for 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds, then add honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Stir in chicken broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes, adding red pepper flakes if desired.
- Combine: Return sausage to the skillet and simmer for another 3-4 minutes. Toss in cooked pasta and adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed. Add butter and mix well.
- Season and Garnish: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then garnish with parsley and optional Parmesan before serving.
Notes
For a lighter dish, use chicken or turkey sausage and reduce the honey. Add vegetables for added nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
