Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet: A Sweet & Savory One-Pan Wonder

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Introduction

Craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that comes together in just one pan? This Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is the answer! Combining juicy Italian sausage, al dente pasta, and a sweet-savory honey garlic glaze, this dish is irresistibly sticky, slightly spicy, and packed with bold flavors—all while being ready in under 30 minutes.

Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this recipe requires minimal cleanup and delivers maximum taste. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ One-pan wonder – Cook everything in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
✅ Sweet, savory & garlicky – The perfect balance of flavors.
✅ Ready in 30 minutes – Faster than takeout!
✅ Customizable – Swap proteins, adjust spice levels, or add veggies.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
  • 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite short pasta)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp sriracha (optional, for heat)
  • 1 cup pasta water (reserved)
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta 1 minute less than package instructions (it’ll finish cooking in the skillet).
  2. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Brown the Sausage

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add sausage (breaking it into crumbles) and cook until browned and crispy (~5-6 minutes).
  3. Remove excess grease if needed, leaving ~1 tbsp for flavor.

3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Stir in honey, soy sauce, sriracha (if using), and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Combine & Finish

  1. Add the cooked pasta and ½ cup pasta water to the skillet.
  2. Toss everything together, letting the pasta absorb the sauce (~2-3 minutes). Add more pasta water if needed for a glossy finish.
  3. Season with salt & black pepper to taste.

5. Garnish & Serve

  • Top with fresh parsley, green onions, and Parmesan cheese (if desired).
  • Serve immediately while hot and sticky!

Serving Suggestions

  • Garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
  • Simple salad – A crisp green salad balances the richness.
  • Roasted veggies – Toss in broccoli or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

Variations & Tips

🔥 Spice it up – Add extra sriracha or chili flakes.
🍗 Protein swap – Use chicken, shrimp, or meatballs instead of sausage.
🥦 Veggie-packed – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers.
🧀 Creamy twist – Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream for a richer sauce.

Conclusion

This Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—easy, fast, and packed with bold flavors. The combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and spicy sausage creates a dish that’s addictively delicious and perfect for any night of the week.

One bite, and it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation!

Want a spicier, cheesier, or veggie-loaded version? Let me know—I’d love to help customize it for you!

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