Description
Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet brings sweet, savory flavors to your table. A comforting, easy dinner for any night.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 12 oz short-cut pasta (penne, rotini, farfalle)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Sweet & Savory Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- Base & Finishing Touches:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional Extras:
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (for heat)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (for sauce adjustment)
- 1 tbsp butter (for extra richness)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage:: First things first, get your big skillet nice and hot over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Break up the Italian sausage and let it brown beautifully. We’re talking crispy edges, lots of lovely browned bits sticking to the pan – that’s flavor, folks! This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. I always forget to really break it up small enough at the start, then I’m chasing big chunks around the pan later, haha.
- Cook the Pasta:: While your sausage is doing its thing, get a pot of salted water boiling for your pasta. Cook it according to package directions, aiming for al dente. This is where I always forget to salt the water, then wonder why my pasta tastes bland. Drain it, but don’t rinse! We want that starchy water clinging to it to help the sauce later. Set aside about half a cup of that pasta water too, just in case.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:: Once the sausage is browned, drain off any excess grease from the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium. Toss in your minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant – oh, that smell! Don’t let it burn, or it gets bitter, a mistake I’ve made more times than I care to admit. Then, pour in the honey, soy sauce, and chicken broth. Stir it all together, letting it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. This is the heart of our Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet!
- Combine and Coat:: Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat every piece. This is where the magic really starts to happen, as the sauce clings to the sausage. If it feels a little too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water. You want it saucy, not dry! I’m always tasting at this point, adjusting for that perfect sweet-savory balance.
- Add the Pasta:: Now, toss in your drained, al dente pasta. Stir it gently, making sure every noodle gets a generous coating of that sticky honey garlic goodness. Keep it on the heat for another minute or two, letting the pasta absorb some of the flavors. This is where the whole dish comes together beautifully. Sometimes I add a tiny knob of butter here for extra silkiness, shhh!
- Finish and Serve Your Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet:: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in some fresh chopped parsley, if you’re using it, and a good handful of grated Parmesan cheese. Give it a final taste test and adjust any seasonings. Serve immediately, perhaps with a little extra Parmesan on top. The way the light catches those glossy noodles, the aroma… it’s just delightful!