Get ready to fall in love with this Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet—a one-pan wonder that’s bursting with sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness! Juicy Italian sausage mingles with tender pasta in a glossy honey-soy glaze that’s just the right mix of sticky and flavorful. The optional red pepper flakes add a subtle kick, while fresh herbs bring a pop of brightness. I love how this dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a hearty, no-fuss meal with maximum flavor. Let’s fire up the skillet and whip up this irresistible pasta that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this sticky pasta dish:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (or your choice of sausage) – Bold, savory protein for heartiness.
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your preferred type) – Short pasta to catch the sticky sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – For cooking the sausage and building flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Aromatic star for that garlicky punch.
- ¼ cup honey – Sweet, sticky base for the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce – Savory, umami depth.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional) – Tangy kick to balance the sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – For a spicy edge.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Seasons everything perfectly.
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped – Bright, herby garnish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) – Cheesy topping for extra richness.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re set for a sweet-savory feast!
Prep Time & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes – Boiling water and prepping ingredients.
- Cook Time: 20 minutes – Cooking sausage, sauce, and pasta.
- Total Time: 30 minutes – A quick, flavorful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make this Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet with ease—here’s how:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water, and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. If using link sausage, remove the casings. Add 1 lb Italian sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Remove excess fat if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet for flavor.
- Make the Sauce: Add 4 cloves minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring to avoid burning. Stir in ¼ cup honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (if using), and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sticky honey-garlic sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm, straight from the skillet, and enjoy the sticky, savory goodness!
Tips & Tricks
Make this pasta even better with these handy pointers:
- Sausage Swap: Try spicy Italian, chorizo, or chicken sausage for different flavor profiles—adjust salt if using a saltier sausage.
- Sauce Balance: If the sauce is too sweet, add an extra splash of soy sauce or a teaspoon of vinegar for tang.
- Spice Control: Skip red pepper flakes for a milder dish, or add more for extra heat—taste as you go.
- Pasta Choice: Short pasta like penne or rigatoni works best, but fusilli or farfalle are great, too, for grabbing the sauce.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms with the garlic for added color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This skillet pasta is a complete meal, but these sides make it a spread:
- Garlic Bread: Crusty, buttery bread to soak up the sticky sauce.
- Green Salad: Arugula or mixed greens with a balsamic vinaigrette for freshness.
- Roasted Broccoli: A simple, green side to balance the richness.
- Red Wine: A glass of Merlot to complement the savory-sweet flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Here’s how to enjoy this pasta later (if there’s any left!):
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth, stirring gently, for 5-7 minutes. Or microwave in 30-second bursts until hot—skillet keeps the sauce stickier.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat—the sauce may separate slightly but will recombine with stirring.
Nutrition Info
This pasta is hearty and flavorful! Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 28g – From the sausage.
- Fat: 24g (Saturated Fat: 8g) – From the sausage, oil, and optional cheese.
- Carbohydrates: 58g – Mostly from the pasta and honey.
- Fiber: 2g – A bit from the pasta.
- Sugar: 20g – From the honey.
- Sodium: 900mg – Varies with sausage, soy sauce, and salt; adjust to taste.
Note: Values are estimates and depend on specific brands or portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is a sweet-savory dream that brings bold flavors to your table with minimal effort. The glossy, garlicky sauce coats every bite of pasta and sausage, making it a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings. It’s quick, versatile, and so satisfying, you’ll want to make it again and again. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out—or if you add your own spin! Happy cooking!