This Easy Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet is a tasty one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy nights! Juicy sausage, pasta, and a yummy honey garlic sauce come together quickly.
I love how the sweet and savory flavors mix beautifully, and cleanup is a breeze! Just cook it all in one skillet, then enjoy every last bite with your family. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini for its fun shape that holds sauce well. However, you can easily swap it out for penne, farfalle, or spaghetti if you prefer.
Sausage: Italian sausage adds great flavor, but you can substitute with smoked sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter option. If you’re vegetarian, try plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a similar texture.
Honey: Honey is key for that sticky sweetness, but feel free to substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different twist. Just remember that the flavors will vary a bit!
Soy Sauce: If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. For a less salty taste, you can also opt for low-sodium soy sauce.
Butter: To make this dish dairy-free, you can substitute with olive oil or coconut oil in place of butter without sacrificing flavor.
How Do You Achieve a Sticky Sauce without Burning It?
The key to a perfectly sticky sauce is controlling the heat and timing. After adding the honey and soy sauce, keep the heat at medium. This allows the sauce to simmer without scorching.
- Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Pay attention to the consistency. Once it starts to coat the back of a spoon, it’s ready!
- If it thickens too fast, a splash of chicken broth can loosen it without losing flavor.
Taking your time with the sauce will give you that perfect sticky texture that clings to the pasta and sausage. Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta (or your preferred pasta shape)
- 1 lb (450 g) sausage (Italian or smoked sausage), sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for slight heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta skillet takes about 25 minutes in total! You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes cooking the pasta and 15 minutes preparing the sausage and sauce. Quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure to keep it warm as you prepare the other ingredients!
2. Brown the Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside for later.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Next, reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the skillet. Allow the butter to melt, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it!
4. Make the Sauce:
Stir in the honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, and crushed red pepper flakes if you desire some heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes sticky.
5. Combine the Sausage:
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the sticky sauce. Let it cook together for a minute to absorb all those delicious flavors!
6. Mix in the Pasta:
Now it’s time to add the cooked pasta to the skillet! Toss everything together, ensuring that the pasta and sausage are well coated in the honey garlic sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste to elevate the flavors.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once well mixed, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet, savory, and slightly sticky honey garlic sausage pasta!
This hearty meal is perfect for busy evenings and easy to clean up afterward. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ for Easy Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute Italian sausage with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even smoked sausage. For a vegetarian option, try using plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist and flavorful.
What if I Don’t Have Honey?
No worries! If you’re out of honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar. Just be aware that it may alter the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the sausage a day ahead and store them separately in the fridge. Cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to eat, then combine everything. This way, you’ll have a quick and easy meal ready in no time!
