Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta

Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is my go-to one pan comfort meal when I want something quick but still crave big flavors. You get the sweetness from honey, the punch from garlic, and the savory bite of chicken sausage all wrapped up with your favorite pasta in thirty minutes flat. This is the kind of recipe that never leaves you with leftovers.

I first pulled this together on a hectic school night and my family asked for seconds before I even sat down with my own plate. It is now in steady weeknight rotation.

Ingredients

• Pasta such as penne or fusilli: Both shapes hold the syrupy sauce well and make every bite flavorful Choose quality dried pasta for better texture
• Chicken sausage sliced: Whether you like spicy or smoky sausage your favorite flavor will work nicely Choose sausage that is low in fillers for the best taste
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing the sausage and creates golden edges Use extra virgin if you can
• Garlic minced: This is the backbone of the dish Fresh garlic gives the best aromatic kick
• Honey: Brings sweetness to the sauce A runny mild honey balances the savory ingredients
• Soy sauce: Adds deep umami Choose a good quality low sodium option so your dish is not too salty
• Apple cider vinegar: Helps balance the honey’s sweetness Unfiltered apple cider vinegar has more flavor
• Red pepper flakes: Optional for heat I like to use them for that gentle spicy background
• Salt: Seasons the pasta and sauce Go for kosher salt to control seasoning better
• Pepper: Freshly cracked pepper brightens up all the flavors
• Fresh parsley chopped: Garnish for color and a fresh herbal note Use flat leaf for the best taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a final richness and umami Buy a wedge and grate it yourself for better melt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Pasta:

Fill a large pot with water and season it generously with salt Bring to a rolling boil before adding in your pasta of choice Cook just until al dente that gentle bite is important for texture Reserve about a half cup of pasta water just in case you want to loosen the sauce later Drain well in a colander and set aside

Brown the Sausage:

Place your large skillet over medium heat Add olive oil and give it a moment to shimmer Toss in your sliced chicken sausage and spread them out so each piece gets even heat Do not rush this step Leave them undisturbed for a couple of minutes which gives beautiful caramelization Cook five to seven minutes until all the pieces have browned edges and are heated through Remove sausage to a plate

Bloom the Garlic:

Using the same skillet lower the heat slightly and add your minced garlic It will sizzle and foam right away Let it cook for about a minute stirring constantly until it is fragrant and golden but be careful it does not burn Garlic can go from golden to bitter fast

Make the Sauce:

Add honey soy sauce apple cider vinegar and red pepper flakes if you are using Stir everything so it is well combined The mixture should bubble up a little Let this simmer for two to three minutes until it thickens slightly Scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of your skillet

Combine and Toss:

Return the sausage to the skillet then add the drained pasta With a wooden spoon gently toss so the sticky sauce coats every piece of pasta and sausage If the sauce seems too thick drizzle in a bit of the reserved pasta water until silky Taste and add salt plus cracked pepper if needed

Finish and Serve:

Spoon the finished pasta into bowls Top each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and loads of grated Parmesan cheese Serve piping hot and enjoy every sticky sweet bite

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I absolutely love the way the honey and soy sauce caramelize on the sausage It takes me back to childhood nights when anything sticky and sweet at dinner was a win for everyone at my family table

Storage Tips

Leftovers hold up well in the fridge for up to three days Store the pasta in an airtight container and reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to revive the sauce If you are meal prepping this recipe actually tastes even better the next day because the flavors have had time to mingle

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of chicken sausage you can use turkey sausage pork sausage or even meatless sausage for a vegetarian option Swap apple cider vinegar for white wine vinegar or lemon juice in a pinch Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper note and gluten-free pasta if needed

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Serving Suggestions

Round out your meal with a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or serve beside garlicky roasted broccoli For something extra decadent add a fried egg on top The sticky sauce is so good on toast you will want to swipe up every drop

Cultural Context

This recipe borrows Italian pasta-cooking tradition and pairs it with the sweet spicy flavors you find in Asian-inspired sauces The use of honey garlic and soy is a common blend for quick stir fries but here it clings to pasta for a globally inspired comfort food

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Pork, turkey, or plant-based sausage varieties work well and will complement the sweet honey garlic sauce.

→ What kind of pasta is best?

Penne or fusilli are recommended, but any short pasta that holds sauce will do nicely.

→ Can I make it spicier?

Yes, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to taste for extra heat.

→ Is there a substitute for soy sauce?

Try tamari or coconut aminos for a similar depth of flavor, or low-sodium soy for a lighter taste.

→ How do I make it vegetarian?

Swap chicken sausage for your favorite meatless sausage or add sautéed mushrooms for a hearty texture.

→ Can leftovers be stored?

Yes, keep any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently before serving.