Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
A sweet-and-salty one-pan dinner featuring browned sausage in a honey-soy glaze mixed with pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the pasta
- 12 oz short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or similar)
For the sausage
- 1 lb sausage, sliced (Italian, smoked, or your preferred type)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended) Use low-sodium soy sauce for better control over salt; tamari works for gluten-free.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Before draining, scoop out and reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Browning the Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, until browned and slightly crisp around the edges, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 20–30 seconds (don’t let it burn). Add honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar and stir to combine. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors.
Reintroducing the Sausage
- Return the browned sausage to the skillet and simmer for 3–4 minutes so the sauce thickens and coats the meat. If you like heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes now and stir.
Combining with Pasta
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach a glossy, clingy consistency. Stir in butter until melted.
Finishing
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan, if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or thickly sliced mushrooms. Honey can be swapped for maple syrup if you prefer a different sweetness profile.