Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet Recipe | Easy Dinner Idea
This sticky honey garlic sausage pasta recipe is the ultimate comfort food! Sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors coat tender pasta and juicy sausage in a one-pan skillet meal that’s quick, easy, and absolutely irresistible. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a crowd-pleasing dinner with minimal cleanup.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Colander
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
- 1 lb sausage (Italian, chicken, or plant-based), sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (optional for umami)
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional for heat)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Brown sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make glaze: Stir in honey, soy sauce (if using), and chili flakes. Simmer until sticky and slightly thickened.
- Combine pasta & sausage: Add cooked pasta and sausage back to the skillet. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Season & garnish: Adjust with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh herbs and Parmesan if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with garlic bread or salad.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container for 2–3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop with splash of pasta water. Avoid microwaving for best texture.
- Variations: Try spicy chili, creamy cream cheese, vegan mushroom, or holiday cranberry versions.
- Tip: Use whole-grain pasta and lean sausage for a healthier option.