Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet

Juicy sausage, garlic, honey, soy sauce, and pasta come together in this sticky honey garlic sausage pasta skillet! Ready in 30 mins!

this Recipe

You ever have those nights where you’re standing in front of your fridge, door wide open, just… staring? Hoping something magical will happen? That was me last Tuesday. I was this close to ordering takeout—again—but then I spotted a pack of sausage. And it hit me. Why not do something quick and cozy that didn’t require me to change out of my sweats?

So I grabbed the sausage, found some pasta (thank you, pantry stockpile), and remembered a sticky honey garlic chicken recipe my grandma used to make when I was a kid. She never measured anything, just tossed things in the pan with reckless abandon. And it was always perfect. I tried to channel that same energy here. And honestly? This Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet might just be my favorite “I have no plan” dinner yet.

Why You’ll Love This Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet Recipe?

Let me break it down for you because I’m pretty sure this is going to be your new go-to.

• It’s quick. Like 30 minutes, maybe less if you hustle.
• One pan (well, plus a pot for the pasta, but still—minimal dishes!).
• The flavor hits every note—sweet, savory, garlicky, with a little spicy kick if you want it.
• It’s flexible. Swap the sausage. Toss in veggies. Forget the parsley if you’re not feeling fancy.
• It’s a crowd-pleaser. My kids inhaled it. My husband asked if we could have it every week. Enough said.

Ingredient Notes:

You don’t need anything fancy for this one. Just some simple stuff that works together like a charm.

• Pasta: Penne or rotini is great, but honestly, use what you have. Spaghetti? Sure. Elbow macaroni? Why not.
• Sausage: I love using Italian sausage, but I’ve done it with smoked sausage and even chicken sausage. Each one gives it a different vibe.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves. If you’re using the pre-minced stuff from a jar, I’m not judging—but fresh does taste better.
• Honey: I go for the basic supermarket kind, but if you’ve got some fancy local honey, use it!
• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium helps control the saltiness. You can also swap it for tamari or coconut aminos if you’re gluten-free.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Gives it that zing to balance the sweet. Don’t skip it!
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but I’m a sucker for a little heat.
• Olive Oil: To get things going.
• Parsley: Totally optional. But makes it look pretty if you’re showing off on Instagram.

How To Make Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet?

Step 1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a big ol’ pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your pasta and cook it until just shy of al dente—about a minute less than the package says. Save a cup of that pasta water (trust me), then drain it. No rinsing! You want that starch to cling for the sauce.

Step 2. Brown the Sausage

Heat up the olive oil in a big skillet. Medium heat works fine—no need to crank it. Toss in your sausage slices and cook them until they’re golden and a little crispy. I mean, who doesn’t love those caramelized edges? Should take about 5-7 minutes. Now, add the garlic and sauté for a minute. Just until your kitchen smells amazing.

Step 3. Make the Sticky Sauce

Whisk the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Pour it into the skillet. Let it bubble and thicken for a couple of minutes while you stir things around. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts looking glossy and sticky.

Step 4. Bring It All Together

Add your cooked pasta to the skillet. Give it all a good toss so the noodles get coated in that beautiful sticky sauce. If it’s too thick, add a splash of the pasta water you saved. That’s the secret to silky sauce magic.

Step 5. Serve It Up

Take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top if you’ve got it (or don’t… I won’t tell). Serve hot. Maybe drizzle a little extra honey if you’re feeling wild.

Storage Options:

• Fridge: Pop it into an airtight container. It’ll last 3-4 days.
• Reheat: Microwave it with a splash of water or warm it up in a skillet.
• Freezer: Meh. You can freeze it for a couple of months, but pasta gets mushy. I wouldn’t—unless you’re desperate.

Variations and Substitutions:

Feeling creative? Here’s how to mix it up.

• Protein Swaps: Chicken, turkey sausage, tofu… they all work.
• Make It Veggie: Throw in broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers. Sauté them with the sausage.
• Spice It Up: More red pepper flakes, sriracha drizzle, or even chili oil.
• Cheese It: A sprinkle of parmesan or mozzarella melts right in. So good.
• Gluten-Free: Use GF pasta and swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.

What to Serve with Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet?

This Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is a meal on its own, but if you’re feeling fancy:

• Garlic Bread: Obvious choice. You can never have too much garlic.
• Simple Salad: Something fresh and crunchy to balance the sticky-sweetness.
• Roasted Veggies: Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans are fab.
• Wine Pairing: A chilled white wine or a light red if you’re feeling it. Or iced tea. Whatever floats your boat.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yep! Just keep it in the fridge and reheat gently. Add a splash of water to loosen up the sauce.

Is it super sweet?
Nope! The vinegar and soy sauce balance out the honey. But if you want it less sweet, cut back on the honey by a tablespoon.

Can I use a different kind of sausage?
Absolutely. Try spicy Italian, kielbasa, or chicken sausage. Each gives it a fun twist.

So there you have it—Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet. Easy, sticky, sweet, and just the right amount of savory. It’s become one of those dishes I keep coming back to, and I bet it’ll be the same for you. Give it a try and let me know how it goes! Did you tweak it? Did the kids approve? I’m dying to hear! Drop a comment, and let’s chat.

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

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5 from 1 vote

Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

This Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet combines al dente pasta with seared sausage in a rich, sweet, and savory honey garlic glaze. Enhanced with soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes, it delivers a quick and flavorful 30-minute meal.

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4 Servings

Ingredients

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• 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta or preferred pasta variety
• 1 pound Italian smoked, or chicken sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce optional
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional; adjust according to preference
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley finely chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

 

Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8–10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set it aside without rinsing, to retain the starch for better sauce adhesion.

Sauté the Sausage

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage to the pan and cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and caramelized. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the minced garlic, and sauté for an additional 1 minute, ensuring the garlic becomes fragrant but does not burn.

Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring to combine with the sausage and garlic. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly and evenly coats the sausage.

Combine the Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Using tongs or a spatula, gently toss the pasta with the sausage and sauce until thoroughly coated. If the mixture appears too thick, gradually incorporate the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.

Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the pasta with a certified gluten-free variety (such as gluten-free penne or rotini). Additionally, replace the soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative such as tamari or coconut aminos to ensure the dish remains entirely gluten-free.

Bitty

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Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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