Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
• Bold Flavors – A perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy.
• One-Pan Convenience – Less cleanup with a single skillet.
• Family-Friendly – A crowd-pleaser with simple, comforting ingredients.
• Customizable – Easy to adjust spice levels or swap proteins.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Italian sausage (casings removed)
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Apple cider vinegar
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Pasta (penne or spaghetti)
• Chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky.
5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sticky sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving

Variations

• Protein Swap – Try using ground chicken, turkey, or even shrimp instead of sausage.
• Vegetarian Option – Substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
• Spice Level – Adjust red pepper flakes for more or less heat.
• Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Extra Veggies – Add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for more nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out. Microwave for 1-2 minutes if in a hurry.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the sauce may become too sticky and the pasta texture may change.

FAQs

How can I make this dish less sweet?

Reduce the honey to 2 tablespoons or balance it with a bit more apple cider vinegar.

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes! Spicy Italian, mild, or even chicken sausage all work well.

What type of pasta works best?

Penne and spaghetti are great options, but you can also use rigatoni or fusilli.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but it's best fresh. If making ahead, store the pasta and sauce separately for better texture.

What can I serve with this pasta?

A simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread pairs well with this dish.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Just skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Add a splash of pasta water while tossing the pasta in the sauce to keep it silky.

Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh parsley adds a brighter flavor. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley if substituting.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! If your kids don’t like spice, simply omit the red pepper flakes.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just use a larger skillet to ensure even cooking.

Conclusion

This Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a fantastic addition to your meal rotation. Quick to prepare, easy to customize, and packed with bold flavors, it's a dish that the whole family will love. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious, stress-free dinner!

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Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet

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This Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal, perfect for busy weeknights. Italian sausage is cooked until golden, then coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce and tossed with pasta for a deliciously sweet, savory, and slightly spicy dish. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy skillet meal is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner, Main Course
• Method: Skillet, Sauté
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti)
• 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

• Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
• Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Stir in honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
• Toss in cooked pasta, mixing well to coat in the sticky sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Garnish with parsley and Parmesan (if using). Serve immediately.

Notes

• Less Sweet? Reduce honey to 2 tablespoon or add extra vinegar.
• Protein Swap? Use ground turkey, chicken, or even shrimp.
• Vegetarian? Substitute sausage with mushrooms or plant-based alternatives.
• Gluten-Free? Use gluten-free pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Extra Veggies? Add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.