Looking for a quick weeknight dinner that’s packed with bold, sweet, and savory flavors? This Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is just the thing. It combines juicy sausage, a luscious sticky garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta all in one pan for an easy, satisfying meal the whole family will love. With minimal prep and pantry-friendly ingredients, this dish is a guaranteed go-to for busy evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (or any sausage you prefer – spicy, mild, or even chicken sausage works great)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any hearty variety that holds sauce well)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, but adds a great tangy depth)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for finishing)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Be sure to reserve a little pasta water (about 1/4 cup) in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
2. Brown the Sausage
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage — if using links, remove the casings before cooking. Break the sausage apart with a spatula or wooden spoon as it browns, cooking for about 5–7 minutes or until the sausage is fully cooked and golden.
3. Sauté the Garlic and Build the Sauce
Once the sausage is browned and slightly crispy around the edges, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for 1 to 3 minutes, just until the garlic is fragrant — be careful not to let it burn.
Next, pour in the honey and soy sauce. If using, add the Dijon mustard and red pepper flakes as well. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for 4 to 6 minutes. As it cooks, the sauce will bubble and thicken slightly, coating the sausage in a sticky, glossy glaze.
4. Toss in the Pasta
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the sausage and sauce until everything is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick or sticky, a splash of reserved pasta water can help loosen it up and create a silkier texture. Let the pasta and sauce cook together for 2–3 more minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Season and Garnish
Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Finish the dish with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil for brightness. If desired, top with grated Parmesan cheese for a savory, nutty finish.
Tips & Variations
- For extra veggies: Add bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli to the skillet while the sausage is browning for a more balanced meal.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese for a richer sauce.
- Meal prep-friendly: This pasta reheats beautifully and can be made in advance for lunches or busy weeknight dinners.
Serving Suggestions
This skillet pasta is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairs well with a crisp green salad or a warm piece of garlic bread. Serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic, comforting presentation.
- Air Fryer Cheesy Tortilla Garlic Bread
🧄 Crispy, Cheesy, and Bursting with Flavor — Ready in Minutes! If you’re looking for a quick, irresistible snack or appetizer that hits all the comfort food notes—look no further than this Air Fryer Cheesy Tortilla Garlic Bread. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe transforms basic flour tortillas into golden, crispy … Read more - Soft Lemon Biscuits That Melt in Your Mouth
🍋 🤤 The Ultimate Citrus Treat You Didn’t Know You Needed If you’re a fan of citrusy sweets that are soft, delicate, and full of bright flavor, these Soft Lemon Biscuits are going to become your new obsession. Bursting with the fresh aroma of lemon and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re the kind of treat that … Read more - Lemon Ginger Chicken with Pineapple Mango Salsa: Un viaje tropical en cada bocado
🌞 🍋🍍🌶️ ¿Estás buscando una receta que despierte tus papilas gustativas con una explosión de sabores frescos, cítricos y exóticos? Esta receta de Lemon Ginger Chicken with Pineapple Mango Salsa es justo lo que necesitas. Inspirada en los aromas vibrantes del trópico y combinada con técnicas sencillas, esta preparación lleva lo mejor del dulce, ácido … Read more - Charcoal Bun Miso Maple Burger with Black Garlic Aioli
Smoky, savory, and slightly sweet — this gourmet-style burger blends umami miso, rich maple syrup, and the unique depth of black garlic for a bold, unforgettable bite. Served on dramatic charcoal buns with melty cheese and a creamy aioli, it’s a showstopper at any dinner or cookout. 🍔 Ingredients (Serves 4): For the Patties: For … Read more - Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles – The Ultimate Comfort Food Made Easy
Ramen noodles just got a major upgrade. If you’re tired of plain instant noodles and looking for a hearty, flavor-packed meal the whole family will love, this Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles recipe is the answer. It’s the perfect combination of tender ground beef, colorful vegetables, a sweet-savory garlic-soy sauce, and soft ramen noodles—all slowly … Read more - Homemade “Amish Amoxicillin” Natural Remedy
Powerful Organic Immune Booster! This is my personal recipe for “Amish Amoxicillin” — a potent, natural remedy packed with powerful organic ingredients known for their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and immune-boosting properties. Whenever I feel the need for extra support, this blend works wonders! Whenever possible, I always recommend using organic ingredients for maximum potency and purity. … Read more - Grandmother’s Traditional Preserved Tomatoes Recipe
A Taste of Summer, All Year Long! This cherished method of preserving tomatoes has been lovingly passed down through generations — from my grandmother to my mother, and now to me. Every winter, when the snow falls and the days grow short, our family gathers around the table to enjoy vibrant tomato salads, seasoned with … Read more - Condensed Milk & Cinnamon Doughnut Puffs (Melktert Bombs) 🍩✨
Description If you’re craving a soft, pillowy treat that’s oozing with sweet, creamy filling and wrapped in a crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating, these Condensed Milk & Cinnamon Doughnut Puffs, also known as Melktert Bombs, are a dream come true.A simple homemade dough is fried until golden brown, then filled with a rich blend of custard and … Read more - Carrot Cake Cookies
DescriptionThese Carrot Cake Cookies bring all the cozy flavors of traditional carrot cake into soft, chewy cookies that are naturally sweetened and full of texture. Packed with grated carrots, oats, warm spices, and crunchy walnuts, they’re perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a wholesome dessert. Each bite delivers the essence of carrot cake in a … Read more