Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet Recipe
There’s something magical about a dish that’s both deeply savory and wonderfully sticky-sweet, and this Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet brings together the best of both worlds in a single pan. Succulent smoked sausage slices caramelize with a glossy honey garlic sauce, nestling among tender pasta for a homestyle meal with lively Asian-inspired flavors. If you’re craving an easy weeknight dinner that hits every note—comfort, speed, a little zing, and a whole lot of sticky goodness—this recipe is about to become your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This ingredient list is refreshingly simple, but each item plays a starring role in flavor, texture, and color, turning familiar pantry and fridge staples into something special. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this skillet sing:
- Smoked sausage: Rich, smoky flavor forms the backbone—try classic, turkey, or plant-based to suit your needs.
- Pasta (penne or rotini): Twirly, sturdy shapes soak up the sticky sauce best and give the dish a hearty bite.
- Olive oil: Helps the sausage brown beautifully and lends a soft, fruity undertone.
- Garlic (minced): Three cloves guarantee every bite is popping with garlicky aroma.
- Honey: The secret to that irresistible glazed finish—pure sweetness with lovely floral notes.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Brings balance, a touch of umami, and just the right amount of saltiness.
- Apple cider vinegar: A splash wakes up the sauce, cutting through richness and adding a gentle tang.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat, adjust to taste or skip if you prefer mild.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps the sauce hug every bit of sausage and pasta.
- Cornstarch mixed with water: This quick slurry thickens everything to sticky, glossy perfection.
- Green onions (sliced): Bright, fresh garnish that brings a pop of color and crunch.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for adjusting and finishing the flavors to your liking.
How to Make Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cooking your pasta of choice according to the package directions. You’ll want it just al dente, since it will soak up more flavor in the skillet later. After draining, set it aside for the grand finale.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While the pasta is hanging out, grab your largest skillet and swirl in the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in those sausage rounds and cook until they’re beautifully browned on both sides, about 5–6 minutes. This step not only adds flavor but also builds those tasty, caramelized bits that make the dish so craveable.
Step 3: Add the Garlic
Sprinkle in your minced garlic and sauté for just about 30 seconds, stirring constantly. The magic happens fast—once the garlic is fragrant (careful not to burn it!), you’re ready to build the sticky sauce.
Step 4: Whisk and Pour the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes if you want a little extra kick. Pour this golden mixture over the sizzling sausage and garlic in your skillet. Enjoy the aroma—it’s a sneak preview of what’s to come!
Step 5: Simmer with Chicken Broth
Stir in the chicken broth and let everything bubble together for about 2–3 minutes. This infuses the sausage with deep flavor and sets the stage for the sauce to cling to every piece of pasta.
Step 6: Thicken to Sticky Perfection
Now, drizzle in the cornstarch slurry (just cornstarch mixed with water) while stirring constantly. You’ll see the sauce transform before your eyes—thick, glossy, and ready to coat everything in that signature sticky honey garlic glaze. Another 2–3 minutes is all it takes.
Step 7: Toss in the Pasta
Add your cooked pasta into the skillet and toss everything together until each piece is evenly glazed and shining. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Now, for the perfect finish, scatter sliced green onions over the top. Serve hot, and bask in the well-deserved praise!
How to Serve Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
Garnishes
Garnishing is the finishing touch that transforms this cozy skillet supper into something extraordinary. Sprinkle generously with fresh green onions for color and crunch, or go a step further with a flurry of toasted sesame seeds or chopped parsley. The vibrant green pops against the sticky honey garlic sauce, and the freshness balances the savory-sweet flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet can absolutely shine on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, try serving it with a crisp Asian slaw, simple sautéed greens like bok choy or broccoli, or even a side salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Fluffy garlic bread also makes a satisfying companion for soaking up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For weeknight ease, serve the skillet right at the table, family style. Hosting friends? Pile the pasta in a big shallow platter and scatter extra green onions and sesame seeds for a festive look. You could also scoop individual portions into bowls, drizzle with sriracha for heat lovers, or top with a soft-boiled egg for a fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet stores beautifully! Let it cool, then transfer to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, and the sticky sauce will stay luscious—just give it a quick toss before reheating.
Freezing
This dish also holds up surprisingly well in the freezer. Portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, as this helps maintain the pasta’s texture and the sauce’s stickiness.
Reheating
To reheat, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring between rounds for even reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Smoked sausage is classic, but turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based alternative will all work beautifully in this recipe. Choose your favorite to match your dietary preferences or flavor mood.
Which type of pasta works best for this skillet?
Short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best, as they hold up well in the skillet and soak up all that sticky honey garlic sauce. Avoid very thin or delicate pastas, which can get mushy during tossing.
Can I make this Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and check that your sausage and soy sauce are certified gluten-free. You’ll have all the sticky, sweet-tangy goodness, with none of the gluten.
What’s the best way to add more veggies?
Toss in quick-cooking vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or broccoli florets after browning the sausage. Sauté for a few minutes until they’re crisp-tender, then continue with the recipe. It’s an easy way to boost color, flavor, and nutrition!
Is this dish spicy?
Not by default—the spice comes from the optional red pepper flakes. If you like a little heat, feel free to crank it up! Or keep things mild for a kid-friendly version. Either way, the honey garlic sauce is the real star.
Final Thoughts
If you’re yearning for a dinner that’s bold yet comforting, packed with sticky, garlicky flavor, and ready in a flash, this Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet absolutely delivers. Pour yourself a bowl, dig in, and see just how easy and satisfying one-skillet magic can be—you’re going to love every bite!
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Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious one-pan meal that combines the savory flavor of smoked sausage with the sweetness of honey and the kick of garlic in a sticky sauce, tossed with pasta for a satisfying skillet dish.
Ingredients
Smoked Sausage:
12 oz sliced into rounds
Pasta:
8 oz penne or rotini
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon
Garlic:
3 cloves, minced
Honey:
1/4 cup
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce:
1/4 cup
Apple Cider Vinegar:
1 tablespoon
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional):
1/2 teaspoon
Chicken Broth:
1 cup
Cornstarch:
2 tablespoons mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Green Onions:
2, sliced
Salt and Pepper:
to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water, then drain and set aside.
- Sear the Sausage: Brown sausage rounds in olive oil in a skillet.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Prepare Sauce: Whisk honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook with Sauce: Simmer sauce with sausage, add broth, thicken with cornstarch.
- Combine: Toss in cooked pasta, season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and enjoy hot.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Try turkey or plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
