Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It comes together in one pan, features bold and comforting flavors, reheats well, and allows numerous customizations depending on what you have on hand.
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Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet: A Sweet–Savory Weeknight Dinner in One Pan
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A quick and flavorful pasta skillet featuring savory sausage tossed in a sticky honey garlic sauce with tender noodles—sweet, salty, garlicky, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti)
- 1 lb sausage (Italian, smoked, or chicken), sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
- 2 tbsp butter
- Green onions or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned.
- Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour sauce into the skillet and simmer 2–3 minutes until thick and sticky.
- Add cooked pasta and butter, tossing to coat. Add pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening.
- Cook 1–2 minutes until glossy and well combined.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use spicy sausage for extra heat.
- Add broccoli or bell peppers for a veggie boost.
- Swap soy sauce with coconut aminos for a lower-sodium option.
- Leftovers reheat well with a splash of water.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pasta
Serves as the comforting base, absorbing the sticky honey-garlic sauce beautifully. Short shapes like penne or rotini work especially well.
Smoked or sweet sausage
Adds savory richness and a caramelized depth once seared. Smoked sausage provides a stronger flavor, while sweet sausage keeps the dish milder.
Honey
Creates the signature sticky glaze, adding sweetness that balances the robust sausage.
Garlic
Infuses the skillet with aromatic warmth and provides the foundation for the entire sauce.
Soy sauce
Lends umami and saltiness, preventing the honey from overwhelming the dish.
Butter
Helps brown the sausage and enriches the sauce, giving it a silky sheen.
Chicken broth
Thins the sauce just enough for simmering while contributing savory body.
Red pepper flakes
Offer a touch of heat to contrast the sweetness of the honey.
Black pepper
Enhances depth and complements the garlic and sausage.
Green onions or parsley
Added at the end for freshness and a bright finish.
Directions
Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a small cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the sliced sausage and sear until the edges become caramelized and golden. Reduce heat slightly and stir in the minced garlic, cooking until fragrant but not browned. Whisk in the honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to simmer until it begins to thicken into a glossy glaze.
Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce thickens too quickly, pour in a splash of pasta water to loosen it to the desired consistency. Continue stirring until the pasta is well coated and the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with black pepper or additional soy sauce. Remove from heat and finish with chopped green onions or parsley. Serve hot, allowing the sticky sauce to cling to every bite.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: about 30 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to restore the sauce’s consistency. This dish can also be frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Creamy Honey Garlic Pasta
Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to create a velvety version of the sauce.
Spicy Sausage Upgrade
Use hot Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes for stronger heat.
Veggie-Packed Skillet
Stir in bell peppers, broccoli florets, spinach, or peas to increase color and nutrients.
Lemon-Honey Twist
Add a small amount of lemon zest or a squeeze of juice for brightness and acidity.
Ginger-Garlic Fusion
Grate a bit of fresh ginger into the skillet for a sweet-savory Asian-inspired profile.
Bacon Boost
Add cooked bacon pieces for added smokiness and crunch.
Gluten-Free Adaptation
Use gluten-free pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Herbed Version
Stir in fresh basil or thyme near the end of cooking. The herbs pair well with the honey and garlic.
Extra-Sticky Reduction
Simmer the sauce a bit longer before adding the pasta for an even thicker, stickier finish.
Cheesy Finish
Sprinkle Parmesan on top for added richness and a salty, savory edge.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, chicken sausage, turkey sausage, and even plant-based sausage all work well.
Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?
Maple syrup works, though it will create a slightly different flavor.
Does the pasta have to be short-cut?
No, spaghetti or linguine can also be used, though the sauce adheres best to short shapes.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Reduce the heat before adding the garlic and stir continuously.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use olive oil instead of butter.
Does this work as a meal prep dish?
Yes, it reheats nicely with a splash of broth.
Can I make the sauce thicker?
Allow it to simmer longer before adding the pasta.
Is the dish very sweet?
The soy sauce and garlic balance the sweetness, but you can reduce honey if preferred.
Can I use frozen sausage?
Yes, thaw before slicing for easier cooking.
What can I serve with this pasta?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetables pairs well.
Conclusion
The Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet offers a comforting blend of savory sausage, sweet glaze, and tender pasta, creating a satisfying dinner in one convenient pan. Its adaptability, quick cooking time, and deep flavors make it a dependable recipe worth returning to. Whether you enjoy it as written or experiment with creative variations, this dish delivers a memorable balance of comfort and bold flavor in every bite.
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