Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet: Sweet, Savory, and Ready in 30 Minutes

This sticky honey garlic sausage pasta skillet is one of my go-to meals when I’m craving something bold, saucy, and seriously satisfying. The sausage brings rich flavor, the honey garlic glaze adds that irresistible sweet-and-savory combo, and it all comes together with tender pasta in one skillet. It’s fast, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings big flavor with barely any cleanup. Everything cooks in one skillet, and the honey garlic glaze turns simple sausage and pasta into something special. It’s the kind of dish that feels comforting, but still has a fun twist thanks to the sticky-sweet sauce. Plus, it’s easy to customize with whatever sausage or pasta I have on hand.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best)

• Sausage (smoked, Italian, or chicken sausage, sliced)

• Olive oil

• Garlic cloves, minced

• Honey

• Soy sauce

• Ketchup or tomato paste

• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• Water or chicken broth

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. I cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, then drain and set it aside.

2. In a large skillet, I heat a little olive oil over medium heat and cook the sausage slices until browned and slightly crisp.

3. I add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

4. In the same pan, I stir in honey, soy sauce, ketchup, and a splash of water or broth. I let it bubble and reduce until sticky and glossy.

5. I toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, stirring until everything is coated in the sauce. I season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if I want some heat.

6. I finish it off with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh touch before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 generous servings. It takes roughly 10 minutes to prep and about 20 minutes to cook. Start to finish, I can have this dish on the table in 30 minutes or less.

Variations

Sometimes I use spicy Italian sausage for a bolder flavor, or chicken sausage when I want something lighter. I’ve also added steamed broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to sneak in more veggies. If I’m out of soy sauce, I’ve used teriyaki or hoisin sauce in a pinch for a similar sweet-savory vibe.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave it in short bursts until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this with gluten-free pasta?

Yes, I’ve made it with gluten-free pasta several times. I just keep an eye on the cook time, since some varieties can be more delicate.

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Absolutely. I usually use pre-cooked sausage to save time—just slice and brown it for a bit of texture before adding the sauce.

How sticky should the sauce be?

I like it thick enough to coat the pasta and sausage without being soupy. I let it simmer for a few minutes until it looks glossy and clings to the spoon.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes. I swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms, and it still turns out delicious with the honey garlic glaze.

Is this dish spicy?

Not unless I add red pepper flakes. I keep it mild when I’m serving it to kids, but add some heat for myself with a dash of chili sauce or extra flakes.

Conclusion

This sticky honey garlic sausage pasta skillet is a one-pan wonder that brings together sweet, savory, and just a touch of spice. It’s quick, filling, and always a crowd-pleaser—whether I’m making a weeknight dinner or just need something comforting in a hurry. I love how easy it is to throw together, and it always disappears fast at the table.