introduction
This warm, weeknight-friendly skillet recipe hits sticky-sweet and garlicky notes in every bite—perfect for busy families and Pinterest boards alike. The Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is a one-pan wonder that combines savory sausage with a glossy honey-soy sauce tossed through tender pasta. It’s fast, comforting, and easy to customize for meal prep or leftovers.
If you love quick honey-garlic flavors, you might also enjoy a plant-based twist like this crispy honey garlic tofu, which swaps sausage for a tofu crisp that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
- Bold, balanced flavor: sweet honey, savory soy, and garlic-forward notes.
- Ready in about 25–30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-skillet prep (plus a pot for pasta) means easy cleanup.
- Family-friendly and kid-approved — mild but flavorful.
- Great for meal prep: tastes even better reheated.
Ingredients Needed
Protein
- 1 pound sausage (e.g., Italian or smoked), sliced or crumbled
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (e.g., penne or spaghetti)
Sauce & aromatics
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasoning & garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
For a heartier bake-style dinner, consider swapping in shredded chicken and using a recipe base like garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake as inspiration.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add honey and soy sauce to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Tip: if you want a seafood version, try replacing sausage with high-protein honey garlic shrimp for a lighter, protein-packed swap.
Serving Suggestions Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
Serve this skillet with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For a complete plate, add roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. If you prefer a lighter meal, pair it with a lemony arugula salad to cut through the sweetness. For family-style meals, set out grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes so everyone can top their own bowl.
You can also complement the dish with a creamy side like the flavors in garlic parmesan chicken pasta for guests who want a different texture or extra cheese.
Tips for Success Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
- Brown the sausage well: a good sear adds depth and texture.
- Don’t overcook the garlic: add it after the sausage starts to brown and cook only until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
- Balance the sauce: taste before serving and adjust honey or soy sauce if you prefer sweeter or saltier.
- Reserve some pasta water: if the sauce seems thick, a splash of starchy pasta water loosens and helps it cling.
- Cut sausage uniformly: even slices or crumbles cook at the same rate and make bites consistent.
- Make-ahead tip: store sauce and pasta separately; combine and reheat gently to preserve texture.
variation
- Veggie-forward: swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms and extra bell pepper for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy kick: add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Cheesy finish: stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan just before serving for a silky coating.
- Low-sugar: reduce honey to 2 tablespoons and add a splash of rice vinegar for brightness.
FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
A: Yes — slice and add it just long enough to heat through so it doesn’t dry out.
Q: What pasta shape works best?
A: Penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti all work. Choose what clings best to the sauce for your preference.
Q: How long will leftovers keep?
A: Stored in an airtight container, this keeps 3–4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Sausage freezes well, but pasta texture can change. Freeze in portions and thaw overnight before reheating for best results.
Q: Is there a gluten-free option?
A: Use gluten-free pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Conclusion
If you want to compare a few takes on this flavor-forward skillet, check out this version from Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet – NoDashofGluten for notes on texture and serving ideas. For more honey-centric recipes that pair well with this dish, see the Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta – Fingerlakes Honey Company write-up. And for another home-cook skillet approach, read the take at Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet – That Oven Feelin.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound sausage (e.g., Italian or smoked), sliced or crumbled
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (e.g., penne or spaghetti)
Sauce & aromatics
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasoning & garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add honey and soy sauce to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
