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Sticky honey garlic sausage pasta skillet made with fresh ingredients.

Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta

A delightful one-pan dinner that combines tender pasta with juicy sausage in a rich, sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sausage

  • 12 oz 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta)
  • 1 lb 1 lb (450 g) sausage, sliced (Italian sausage or your preferred type)

Sticky Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing
  • 3 cloves 3 cloves garlic, minced Adds flavor
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey For sweetness
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce (low sodium recommended) For savory depth
  • 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth For added moisture
  • 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
  • 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon butter For richness

Garnish and Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Enhances presentation
  • Salt and pepper to taste For seasoning
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional) Adds creaminess

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Boil your pasta according to package instructions, salting the water generously. When it’s al dente, drain it and set aside—don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water!

Cooking

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides (about 5-7 minutes).
  • In the same skillet, add minced garlic; sauté until fragrant (30 seconds to 1 minute). Pour in honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar, stirring well.
  • Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer for about 2-3 minutes. If you enjoy a little kick, add red pepper flakes here.
  • Return the browned sausage to the skillet and let it soak up all the sticky goodness for 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the cooked pasta. If the sauce looks too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time.
  • Stir in butter for extra richness!

Final Touches

  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Turn off the heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Optionally, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan too!

Notes

For leftovers, store in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Keyword Easy Dinner Recipe, Family-Friendly, Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta, One-pan dinner, Skillet meal