Go Back
Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet with sausage, garlic, and honey in a pan

Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet

A one-pan dinner that's sweet, savory, and full of flavor, perfect for quick weeknight meals.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells) Choose a shape that holds sauce well.
  • 1 cup broth or water Use broth for more flavor.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey Any type works, but thick honey will melt.
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce Use low sodium if sensitive to salt.
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced Fresh garlic is best; use jarred in a pinch.
For the Sausage
  • 12 ounces smoked sausage or kielbasa Quick cooking sausage is preferred.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Slice the sausage into coins.
  2. Brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, letting it sit to get golden edges.
  3. Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cooking
  1. Stir in honey and soy sauce, then add a splash of broth or water.
  2. Add uncooked pasta, covering it mostly with more liquid, and maintain a gentle simmer.
  3. Cover the skillet if possible to help the pasta cook faster.
  4. Once the pasta is tender, let the sauce simmer uncovered for a minute or two until it thickens and becomes glossy.
  5. Adjust taste by adding black pepper, chili flakes, or an extra squeeze of lemon if too sweet.

Notes

Keep extra broth or water nearby to adjust the consistency as different pastas soak up liquid differently. This recipe is adaptable to include various vegetables and proteins.