If you’re looking for a sure-fire weeknight hit that wows everyone at the table, look no further than Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet. This irresistible dish pairs smoky sausage rounds with a glossy, sweet-and-salty honey garlic sauce tossed through toothsome pasta. The flavors are bold and comforting, the texture is pure comfort, and it all comes together in just one skillet. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or treating yourself, Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is all about maximum flavor with minimum fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a delicious showcase of simple, familiar ingredients coming together for something truly exciting. Each component adds a special note, balancing flavors, textures, and a pop of color that makes this Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet so appealing.
- Pasta (12 ounces penne or rotini): Penne or rotini are perfect for soaking up the sticky sauce and giving every bite a satisfying chew.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Just a splash kicks off the sauté for a golden, flavorful base.
- Smoked sausage (1 pound, sliced into rounds): The star of the show, smoked sausage brings hearty, savory depth and pairs beautifully with sweet honey and garlic.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Minced fresh and fragrant, garlic is essential for building those addictive layers of flavor.
- Honey (1/3 cup): The sticky sweetness! Honey coats the sausage and pasta for those delectable, caramelized edges.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Brings salty, umami punch and helps balance out the honey.
- Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Adds subtle tang and a gorgeous, shiny glaze to the sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): A splash of this brightens the sticky sauce and keeps things from feeling overly sweet.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a gentle kick of heat if you love a little spice in your pasta.
- Reserved pasta water (1/2 cup): The secret to a silky, clingy sauce that envelopes every noodle!
- Green onions (2, sliced): A pop of color and mild onion crunch to finish the dish.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): To balance and bring all the flavors together at the end.
How to Make Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your favorite short pasta—penne or rotini both work like a charm—until it’s just al dente. Be sure to scoop out half a cup of the pasta cooking water before you drain away the rest. This starchy water is the key to a velvety smooth honey garlic sauce later on. Set the cooked pasta aside while you get the magic going in the skillet.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add the olive oil. When it shimmers, toss in the sausage rounds. Sauté for four to five minutes, stirring occasionally, until each piece is beautifully bronzed and starting to crisp at the edges. Browning the sausage unlocks layers of smoky-sweet flavor and fantastic texture for your Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet.
Step 3: Add the Garlic
Sprinkle in the minced garlic and let it cook for 30 seconds—just until fragrant. As soon as you catch that irresistible aroma, you’re ready for the next step. Don’t let the garlic go too long, or it could turn bitter, but for these few seconds, it will infuse everything in the skillet with incredible depth.
Step 4: Make the Sticky Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Pour this blend into the skillet over the sausage. Let it bubble and simmer for three to four minutes, swirling everything around until the sauce thickens and starts to coat the sausage in a glossy, sweet-salty glaze.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Finish
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, along with that precious reserved pasta water. Toss everything together thoroughly—the pasta will drink up the sauce, and the sauce will cling to every curve and edge. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking, then rain over the sliced green onions. Serve your Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet immediately for the very best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
Garnishes
A finishing touch of sliced green onions gives freshness and color that pops against the sticky caramelized sausage and golden pasta. If you want to get a little extra, try a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a handful of chopped fresh cilantro for an herby lift. Don’t be shy about a twist of black pepper either—the little details elevate every serving of your Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet.
Side Dishes
This pasta skillet is hearty and satisfying on its own, but a simple side salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette can really complement the sticky-sweet flavor profile. For a bit more crunch and color, steamed broccoli, snap peas, or roasted carrots are fabulous pairings and help round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve this dish family-style right from the skillet—nothing encourages second helpings like a big, inviting pan of bubbling Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet at the center of the table. For a fun twist, try portioning the pasta into individual serving bowls and topping each with extra green onions and a drizzle of honey. Or, offer bowls of fresh herbs and chili flakes at the table so everyone can customize their own plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), let the pasta cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. The Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick next-day lunches.
Freezing
To freeze, portion the cooled pasta into individual airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready for a cozy dinner, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm your leftover Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water, broth, or even a little extra soy sauce if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until the dish is piping hot. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for one to two minutes, stirring halfway through for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While smoked sausage brings a delicious flavor foundation, you can easily substitute with chicken or turkey sausage if you prefer a leaner option, or swap for your favorite plant-based sausage to make the dish vegetarian (just be sure to adjust seasonings to taste).
Which pasta shapes work best with this recipe?
Short, sturdy pastas like penne, rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni work wonders in this Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet because they hold on to the sticky sauce and make every forkful extra satisfying. Long pastas like spaghetti aren’t ideal simply because the sauce adheres better to short shapes.
Is the dish very spicy with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes just give a gentle warmth and don’t overwhelm the dish, but feel free to leave them out or dial them back if you’re sensitive to spice. On the other hand, you can always add more if you want an extra kick!
Can I add vegetables to the pasta?
Definitely! Steamed broccoli, snap peas, zucchini, or bell peppers are wonderful additions. Just toss them into the skillet with the sausage so they pick up some of the saucy flavor, or stir them in before you add the pasta.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your sausage and soy sauce are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can still enjoy a fantastic Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet without worry.
Final Thoughts
This is one of those recipes you’ll turn to again and again, whether you’re craving something cozy or need a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner everyone will love. Give this Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet a try—you’re just a half hour away from total dinner bliss. Don’t be surprised if you end up adding it to your regular meal rotation!
Print
Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal that combines savory smoked sausage with a sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce, served over pasta. It’s a quick and easy dinner option perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
Other Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound smoked sausage (sliced into rounds)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Sauté sausage: Brown sausage slices in olive oil in a skillet.
- Add garlic and sauce: Cook garlic, then add honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer: Let the sauce thicken, then add pasta and water.
- Combine and serve: Stir everything together, season, garnish with green onions, and serve.
Notes
- You can use turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
- Adjust honey or soy sauce to taste preference.
- Enhance with steamed broccoli or snap peas.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
