Description

Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is the ultimate one-pan dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. Juicy sausage bites coated in a glossy, sweet-and-savory honey garlic sauce cling to perfectly al dente pasta for a family-friendly meal everyone loves. Cleanup is a breeze with this easy weeknight recipe packed with bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz Italian sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds (or chicken sausage for a lighter option)
8 oz short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or balsamic for deeper flavor)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for slurry, optional for thicker sauce)
1/2 cup chicken broth or pasta water
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 cup broccoli florets or spinach (optional)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and crispy on the edges. Remove sausage to a plate, leaving flavorful browned bits (fond) in the pan.
Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and turns glossy. If you want it extra thick, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer 1 more minute.
Add pasta and 2 cups water (or broth) to the skillet. Increase heat to medium-high and cook according to package directions for al dente, stirring occasionally and adding more liquid if needed. Once pasta is tender, stir in the browned sausage and any veggies. Toss everything for 1-2 minutes until the pasta absorbs the sticky sauce and everything is evenly coated.
Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan if using, and sprinkle with parsley. Taste and adjust with extra soy sauce for saltiness or vinegar for balance. Serve hot.

Notes

Pro Tips:

Browning the sausage well over medium-high heat builds fond that flavors the sauce. For stickiest glaze, simmer sauce uncovered. Taste before adding pasta; adjust sweetness with more vinegar. Use reserved pasta water for silkier sauce.

Storage: Fridge up to 4 days. Reheat with splash of broth in skillet.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Category: Dinner, Main Course, Pasta
Method: Stovetop, One-Pan
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 580
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 920mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 58g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 65mg